Plasmalogen analysis in erythrocyte membranes of adrenoleukodystrophy.

Very long-chain fatty acids accumulate in both adrenoleukodystrophy and Zellweger's syndrome. Plasmalogen content is decreased in Zellweger's syndrome. We therefore analyzed plasmalogen in erythrocyte membrane glycerophospholipids of three patients with adrenoleukodystrophy and eight normal controls. There was no significant difference in the ratio of plasmalogen and diacyl forms in the phosphatidylethanolamine class of the patients and controls. This observation suggests that plasmalogen metabolism differs in adrenoleukodystrophy and Zellweger's syndrome.