Plasmalogens, platelet-activating factor, and other ether

Plasmalogens, platelet-activating factor, and other ether glycerophospholipids 

Although considerable attention has been paid to the metabolism and role of PAF in mammalian tissues (Honda et al, 2002), information on the receptor-mediated metabolism and role of plasmalogens is just beginning to emerge (Farooqui and Horrocks, 2001). Ether lipids play important roles in signal transduction processes. In addition, changes in their metabolism and levels are closely associated with many diseases. 

The overall physicochemical properties of ether glycerophospholipids are similar to those of ester-bonded glycerophospholipids except for differences in the phase transition temperature from gel to liquid crystalline and from lamellar to hexagonal phases. These differences may be responsible for determining physical properties of biomembranes such as bilayer thickness, area per molecule, acyl chain packing, free volume, and lateral domains (Paltauf, 1994 Lohner, 1996). In artificial membrane systems there are close similarities 

---

Farooqui A. A. and Horrocks L. A. (2004). Plasmalogens, platelet activating factor, and other ether lipids. In Nicolaou A. and Kokotos G. (eds.), Bioactive Lipids. Oily Press, Bridgwater, England, pp. 107-134. 

F. Involvement of plasmalogens, platelet-activating factor, and other ether lipids in diseases... 

---