Phospholipid composition of erythrocyte membranes and plasma of mammalian blood including Australian marsupials; Quantitative P-31 NMR analysis using detergent

The phospholipid classes of erythrocyte membranes and plasma from several domestic animals and marsupials were quantified by P-31 NMR using detergents. Washed erythrocyte samples were thoroughly haemolysed by tip-sonication and dissolved in sodium cholate; plasma samples were dissolved in Triton X-100. The species studied were: common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), black-striped wallaby (Macropus dorsalis), bandicoot (Isoodon macrocarpus), Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), sheep (Ovis aries), goat (Capra hircus), cattle (Bos taurus), horse (Equus caballus), dog (Canus familiaris) and rabbit (Orytolagus caniculus). There were considerable species variations in the relative abundance oi erthrocyte and plasma phospholipid classes. The variations may be attributed to the habitats and diets of the animals as well as to their phylogenetic differences.