Detection of lyso-platelet-activating factor by high-performance liquid chromatography after derivatisation with fluorescent fatty acids

Lyso-platelet-activating factor (lyso-PAF) was derivatised with 9-anthracenepropionic acid in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, p-toluenesulfonic acid and 4-dimethylaminopyridine. The reaction yield exceeded 90% when the fatty acid was present in double molar amounts versus lyso-PAF. The procedure was equally effective in the derivatisation of other lysophospholipids. The derivatized phospholipids are detected by ultraviolet absorption (lambda = 253 nm) or fluorescence detection (using excitation at 254 nm and emission at 450 nm). The technique was applied successfully to the detection of lyso-PAF in complement activated rabbit plasma.