NBD-Phosphatidylethanol

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is formed primarily in the liver by transphosphatidylation of phosphatidylcholine (PC) by phospholipase D. PEth is associated with lipoprotein particles VLDL and HDL, transferred between lipoproteins, and PEth-lipoprotein complexes may have a protective effect against atherogenesis by promoting VEGF secretion by SMC and endothelium.  Most PEth (about 75%) is incorporated into erythrocyte membranes, and is the longest-lived circulating EtOH metabolite yet identified.  NBD-Phosphatidylethanol (NBD-PEth) is a novel flourescent phospholipid analog of this intriguing and rare lipid found in nature.