Lysolecithin, formation hydrolysis

It has been shown that bile acid conjugates have a protective effect against proteolytic inactivation of pancreatic cholesterol esterase (Vahouny ei al., 1965, 1967). Complete protection against inactivation was provided by 3a,12a-dihydroxy and 3o ,7a,12a-trihydroxycholanate. The protective effect seems to be due to the formation of a specific bile salt enzyme complex. Phospholipase A, another pancreatic enzyme, is activated by bile acid conjugates (Magee et al., 1962). This enzyme removes a fatty acid moiety from lecithin, giving lysolecithin. This hydrolysis of lecithin is of importance for the intestinal absorption of this phosphatide (Nilsson and Bergstrom, 1967 Nilsson, 1968). 

Sequential removal of the fatty acids by phospholipase action results in the formation of lysolecithin (glycerophosphorylcholine), then hydrolysis to release choline. Acetylcholine is synthesized in neurons using acetyl CoA. 

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