A phosphatidylcholine is shown here containing oleyl and stearoyl side chains.
Phosphatidylcholines are a class of phospholipids which incorporate choline as a headgroup. They are a major component of biological membranes and can be isolated from either egg yolk (in Greek lekithos - λεκιθος) or soy beans from which they are mechanically extracted or chemically extracted using hexane.
Phosphatidylcholines are such a major component of lecithin, that, in some contexts, the terms are sometime used as synonyms. However, lecithin extract consists of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine and other compounds. It is also used along with Sodium taurocholate for simulating fed- and fasted-state biorelevant media in dissolution studies of highly-lipophilic drugs. Phosphatidylcholine is a major constituent of cell membranes, and also plays a role in membrane-mediated cell signalling.
Phospholipase D catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine to form phosphatidic acid (PA), releasing the soluble choline headgroup into the cytosol.
Some medical researchers are experimenting with using Phosphatidylcholine in a type of injection that will break down fat cells; to be used as an alternative to liposuction known as Injection lipolysis.
See also
Additional images
External links
http://www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/110507kvuelipodissolve-mm.1e0189bdb
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