Definition:

Choline-specific phosphodiesterase that hydrolyzes sphingomyelin releasing the ceramide and phosphocholine and therefore is involved in sphingomyelin digestion, ceramide formation, and fatty acid (FA) absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Has also phospholipase C activity and can also cleave phosphocholine from palmitoyl lyso-phosphatidylcholine and platelet-activating factor (PAF) leading to its inactivation. Does not have nucleotide pyrophosphatase activity. May promote cholesterol absorption by affecting the levels of sphingomyelin derived from either diet or endogenous sources, in the intestinal lumen (By similarity).