This book offers a wide ranging and review of cutting edge developments along with tried and tested methods for isolation, resolution and quantification of inositol phospholipids and inositol polyphosphates in both cells and tissues. It includes detailed and rigorous methodology for identification of molecular species of inositol phospholipids, including their phosphates and glycans, with numerous examples of specific applications.

Wherever available, both chromatographic and mass spectrometric evidence is presented for specific phospholipid involvement in the biochemical transformations accompanying metabolic signalling events and, where possible, controversies have been resolved on basis of analytical ambiguity. The review of the lipid analyses extends to products of phosphatidylinositol kinases, phosphatases and lipases.

A general review chapter is included on metabolic signalling with special emphasis on the lipid products of 3-kinases. In view of the general lack of commercially available standards for inositol phospholipids and inositol phosphates, the book concludes with a chapter on the preparation and collection of chromatographic and mass spectrometric proof of their purity and identity. This book complements recent books and reviews on the mechanisms metabolic signalling, receptor binding and the polypeptide structure of the proteins involved in the various signalling pathways. It also complements those texts that deal exclusively with the chemical synthesis of the phosphatidylinositols and their polyphosphates and glycans.