About the structure and biological function of PC O-
Structure. Ether-linked phosphatidyl-cholines (plasmanyl-phosphatidylcholines, alkyl-phosphatidylcholines, Platelet Activating Factor, PAF, or PC O-) belong to the group of ether phospholipids within the phospholipids. Their structure consists of a glycerol backbone linked to a fatty acid, a fatty alcohol and a phosphocholine molecule. One of the fatty acids is bound to the glycerol backbone via an ether bond. The fatty acids can be of variable length, hydroxylated, and contain double bonds.
Function. Ether-linked phosphatidyl-cholines contain high amounts of arachidonic acid required for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids, bioactive lipids with a great role in inflammation. Levels of PC O- lipids are reduced in the blood of patients with multiple sclerosis. On the other hand, elevated levels have been found in cancers, especially in aggressive forms. Further, PC O- lipids are important membrane constituents of neutrophils, the most abundant type of white blood cells in humans.
