Sphingomyelin (N-acylsphingosine-l-phosphocholine or ceramide phosphocholine) has
long been regarded as a structural component of cell membranes. It is generally in low
abundance in most cell systems and until recently appeared independent of acute
regulation by biologic response modifiers. Hence, for many years only a few groups pursued
the study of this novel sphingolipid. However, renewed interest in sphingomyelin
metabolism has occurred as a result of the hypothesis that the backbone of sphingomyelin …