Sphingoid base composition of monoglucosylceramide in Brassicaceae

The sphingoid base composition of monoglucosylceramide was examined in leaves and roots of six species of the family Brassicaceae. The major components of the nine sphingoid bases we detected were 4-hydroxy-8-sphingenine [i.e. t18:1 (8E) and (8Z)] and 8-sphingenine, in both leaves and roots. The composition was unique because the relative proportions of 8-E/Z isomers in 4-hydroxy-8-sphingenine and in 8-sphingenine were different. So far, only chilling-resistant plants have been found to contain more t18:1 (8Z) components than t18:1 (8E) [Imai et al. (1997) Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 61:351-353]. Species of the family Brassicaceae can now be added to this list.