An argentation thin-layer chromatographic method is described for the separation of intact phosphatidylinositols on the basis of the degree of unsaturation of their component fatty acids. The system is applicable for metabolic studies using radioactive precursors of phosphatidylinositol.

The biochemical significance of steroid metabolites containing 19 carbons and 3 oxygens has been recently recognized. Compounds of this type are found in the urine of both normal persons and patients with metabolic disorders (1, 2). Their excretion seems to be related to adrenocortical function, since increased amounts of these compounds are observed after the administration of cortisone or adr...