Analysis of lyso-platelet activating factor by negative ion gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of the nitrobenzal acetal derivatives.

This paper describes the methods that have been employed for the quantification of platelet activating factor (PAF) and its principal metabolite, in biological matrices. In plasma PAF is rapidly hydrolysed to lyso-PAF, which is also the major precursor of PAF. Measurement of lyso-PAF has been accomplished by mass spectrometric methods using cyclic acetal derivatives of the alkyl glycerol produced after removal of the polar head group. We describe the preparation of a novel electron capture derivative for this glycerol and its behaviour under electron impact and negative ion mass spectrometry. High sensitivities have been achieved using the procedures described here.