Partial structure of an insulin-sensitive glycophospholipid.

The structure of a glycophospholipid, which has been involved in insulin action, has been investigated using H35 cells and rat liver membranes. The present evidence indicates that this molecule contains a phosphatidyl-chiro-inositol moiety, glycosidically linked to a non-N-acetylated glucosamine. In addition, the polar head group of the lipid contains galactose, probably four residues, and a total number of three phosphates.