The effect of unsaturated fatty acids on sodium nitroprusside stimulation of guanylate cyclase in the human astrocytoma clone, D384, and the human neuroblastoma clone, NB1-G

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) stimulates cGMP formation to a greater extent in 20,000 g supernatant fractions of the human neuroblastoma clones NB1-G and SH-SY5Y than in the human astrocytoma clone D384. This suggests that these cell lines contain the soluble form of guanylate cyclase. Arachidonic, 8,11,14- and 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acids inhibit SNP (10(-4) M)-stimulated cGMP formation more potently than the C18 unsaturated fatty acids linolenic and linoleic acids in D384 and NB1-G. In contrast the C20 saturated fatty acid, arachidic acid had little effect even at 10(-4) M concentration. In addition arachidonic and 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acids inhibited basal guanylate cyclase activity, in NB1-G, over the same concentration range as they inhibited SNP-stimulated cGMP formation. No evidence could be obtained for the stimulation of guanylate cyclase by arachidonic acid in either NB1-G or D384. These results provide further support for suggestions that arachidonic acid or its metabolites may be important regulators of cGMP formation in the nervous system.

Arachidonic acid metabolites by cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenase pathway in bovine adrenal fasciculata cells

[1-14C]Arachidonic acid was incubated with microsomes of bovine adrenal fasciculata cells in the presence of 1 mM NADPH for 30 min at 37 degrees C. The metabolites were separated and purified by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography, and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Identified metabolites were four dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHTs) (5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, 14,15-DHTs), 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and eicosatetradioic acid. The formation of these metabolites was dependent on NADPH and inhibited by SKF-525A. 14,15-DHT was also formed by isolated bovine adrenal fasciculata cells. These results indicate that cytochrome P-450 dependent arachidonate monooxygenase pathway may exist in bovine adrenal fasciculata cells. Addition of the chemically synthesized epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to isolated bovine adrenal fasciculata cells stimulated cortisol production. Among four regioisomeric EETs, 14,15-EET was most potent and stimulated steroidogenesis in a dose-related manner over a range of 0.5 to 5.0 microM.

Suppression of human synovial cell proliferation by dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and oils enriched in its precursor fatty acids suppress inflammation and joint tissue injury in several animal models. Since synovial cell proliferation is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis, we studied the effect of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), an immediate precursor of PGE1, on the growth of human adherent synovial cells (ASC) in tissue culture. When stimulated by appropriate concentrations of recombinant interleukin-1 beta (rIL-1 beta), ASC proliferate and produce PGE. DGLA-enriched medium suppressed both baseline and rIL-1 beta-stimulated ASC growth fivefold, compared with medium supplemented with arachidonic acid. Indomethacin reduced the effect of the DGLA. Synovial cells incorporated the DGLA, and rIL-1 beta-stimulated cells that were incubated with DGLA exhibited a 14-fold increase in PGE1 (to 25.2 +/- 6.0 ng/ml, mean +/- SD) and a 70% decrease in PGE2 (to 25.2 +/- 4.2 ng/ml) compared with cells in control medium. At equivalent concentrations (5 x 10(-7) M), PGE1 increased the level of cellular cAMP to a greater extent than did PGE2 (16.8 +/- 2.0 pmoles versus 4.3 +/- 1.9 pmoles, mean +/- SEM). Exogenous PGE1 was also a more effective inhibitor of cell growth. Similarly, cAMP concentrations in cells exposed to DGLA for 6 hours were greater than concentrations in arachidonic acid-enriched cultures (17.8 +/- 3.3 pmoles versus 2.1 +/- 2.0 pmoles). These observations suggest that DGLA can restrain ASC growth, an effect which may be due to its capacity to increase PGE1 production and subsequent cellular cAMP concentration.

Actions of arachidonic acid and hepoxilin A3 on mammalian hippocampal CA1 neurons

The effects of arachidonic acid and its lipoxygenase metabolites, the hepoxilins, were investigated in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons in vitro by intracellular electrophysiological recordings. Both arachidonic acid and the hepoxilins cause a hyperpolarization which is sometimes followed by a later depolarization, augment the postspike train long-lasting afterhyperpolarization (AHP) and increase orthodromic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs). These data show that this arachidonic acid metabolic pathway has significant actions on mammalian central neurons, and may represent an important mechanism of neuromodulation.

The role of prostaglandins in the inhibition of cultured carcinoma cell growth produced by gamma-linolenic acid

The growth of the cultured human breast carcinoma cell line NUB 1 as well as that of other cultured malignant cells has been shown to be inhibited by addition of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) to the culture medium. It has previously been suggested that these findings may be attributed to correction of a GLA deficiency in malignant cells, with supplementation of this fatty acid leading to increased prostaglandin (PG) production and consequent growth inhibition. To test this hypothesis the effect of 50 micrograms/ml concentrations of GLA and its sequential metabolite dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and cell growth, morphology and prostaglandin (PGE and PGF) production by NUB 1 cells was investigated. GLA increased PGE and PGF production, inhibited cell growth and caused accumulation of lipid containing cytoplasmic granules. While treatment with DGLA increased PG production to a significantly greater extent than GLA administration it had no apparent effect on cell growth of morphology and did not inhibit cell growth. These findings suggest that some action other than the ability to increase PG production may be responsible for the inhibitory effects produced by GLA in malignant cells.

Effect of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids on growth hormone release from somatotrophs

Growth hormone secretion was stimulated in vitro by products of arachidonic acid epoxygenase, the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. 5,6-Epoxyeicosatrienoic and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid stimulated growth hormone release from an enriched population of somatotrophs (approximately 85%) by twofold. Inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism by indomethacin did not affect growth hormone-releasing hormone stimulation of growth hormone release. In contrast, pretreatment of somatotrophs with an 11,12-isonitrile analogue of arachidonic acid that inhibits arachidonic acid epoxygenase, resulted in a 20-25% inhibition of growth hormone-releasing hormone-stimulated growth hormone release. 14,15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid stimulated a concentration-dependent increase (twofold) in the cytoplasmic concentration of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in the somatotrophs. 14,15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid also rapidly increased the intracellular free calcium concentration in somatotrophs from resting levels (approximately 80 nM) to greater than 250 nM. Growth hormone-releasing hormone increased the free intracellular calcium to 160-180 nM. Preincubation of somatotrophs with somatostatin inhibited growth hormone-releasing hormone-stimulated growth hormone secretion, cAMP accumulation, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid stimulated cAMP accumulation. These data are suggestive that the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids may have a role in the secretion of growth hormone.

5,6-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid stimulates growth hormone release in rat anterior pituitary cells

The effect of arachidonic acid and some of its metabolites have been examined in rat anterior pituitary cells for their ability to release growth hormone. The cytochrome P-450 metabolite, 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid is a much more effective growth-hormone releasing agent than 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid methyl ester, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid or arachidonic acid. The release of growth hormone is rapid, dose-dependent and reaches an apparent saturation after eight minutes. These studies described herein provide evidence that lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid are less potent while cytochrome P-450 products are more potent in the release of growth hormone from anterior pituitary cells.

Eskimo plasma constituents, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid inhibit the release of atherogenic mitogens

Studies in man and laboratory animals suggest that omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid constituents of fish oils have antiatherosclerotic properties. We have studied the effects of several such polyunsaturated fatty acids for ability to modify the in vitro release of mitogens from human platelets. Such mitogens may produce the fibro-proliferative component of atherosclerotic plaques. Both 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 omega 3) and 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 omega 3), major constituents of fish oils, inhibited adenosine diphosphate-induced aggregation of platelets and the accompanying release of mitogens. These effects are dose dependent. Linolenic acid (18:3 omega 3), the biosynthetic precursor of eicosapentaenoic acid, also inhibited platelet aggregation and mitogen release. Eicosapentaenoic acid also inhibited mitogen release from human monocyte-derived macrophages, which, in vivo, are an additional source of mitogens during atherogenesis. Potent inhibition of human platelet aggregation and mitogen release was also seen with dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid 20:3 omega 6), whose levels are reportedly elevated in Eskimos subsisting on marine diets. We conclude that diets that elevate plasma and/or tissue levels of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid precursor gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 omega 6) may exert antiatherosclerotic effects by inhibiting the release of mitogens from platelets and other cells.

Vasoactive properties of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and series one prostaglandins in a freshwater teleost, Channa maculata

1. Prostaglandins A1, B1, E1 and F1 alpha (2-120 micrograms/kg), arachidonic acid and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (0.1-2 mg/kg) were injected intravenously into Channa maculata and changes in arterial blood pressure were recorded. 2. Injection of PGF1 alpha had no significant effect on arterial blood pressure. Injection of PGA1 and PGE1 was followed by dose-dependent hypotension whereas injection of PGB1 elicited significant dose-dependent increase in arterial blood pressure. 3. Both dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid were also depressor agents but dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid was more potent. 4. A single bolus intravenous injection of indomethacin (5 mg/kg) or 4 daily intraperitoneal injections (4 x 10 mg/kg) significantly lowered arterial blood pressure. One hour after pre-treatment of indomethacin, the vascular effects of both prostaglandin precursors were abolished. 5. It appears that the vascular effects of prostaglandins in Channa maculata are qualitatively different from those reported for mammals.

Release of arachidonic acid from vascular endothelial cells: fatty acyl specificity is observed with receptor-mediated agonists and with the calcium ionophore A23187 but not with melittin

Vascular endothelial cells respond to a variety of physiological and pharmacological stimuli by releasing free arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, thus initiating synthesis of prostacyclin. Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated that the thrombin-stimulated deacylation is specific for arachidonate and structurally similar polyunsaturated fatty acids that contain a delta-5 double bond. We now report that histamine, bradykinin, and the calcium ionophore A23187 exhibit the same fatty acid specificity as does thrombin. Experiments with both human umbilical vein and calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells indicate that these agonists stimulate the release of previously incorporated [14C]arachidonate but not 8,11,14-[14C]eicosatrienoate or [14C]docosatetraenoate. By contrast, melittin stimulates the release of 8,11,14-eicosatrienoate, docosatetraenoate, and oleate as well as arachidonate. These results suggest that histamine, bradykinin, and A23187 activate a common calcium-dependent phospholipase A2. Melittin appears either to alter the substrate specificity of the receptor-linked phospholipase A2 activity or to activate additional enzymes as well.

Ability of 15-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (15-OH-20:3) to modulate macrophage arachidonic acid metabolism

Mouse peritoneal macrophages metabolize dihomogammalinolenic acid (20:3n-6) primarily to 15-hydroxy-8,11,13-eicosatrienoic acid (15-OH-20:3). Since the biological properties of this novel trienoic eicosanoid remain poorly defined, the effects of increasing concentrations of 15-OH-20:3 and its arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) derived analogue. 15-hydroxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), on mouse macrophage 20:4n-6 metabolism were investigated. Resident peritoneal macrophages were prelabeled with [3H]-20:4n-6 and subsequently stimulated with zymosan in the presence of either 15-OH-20:3 or 15-HETE (1-30 microM). After 1 hr, the radiolabeled soluble metabolites were analyzed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. 15-OH-20:3 inhibited zymosan-induced leukotriene C4 (IC50 = 2.4 microM) and 5-HETE (IC50 = 3.1 microM) synthesis. In contrast to the inhibition of macrophage 5-lipoxygenase, 15-OH-20:3 enhanced 12-HETE synthesis (5-30 microM) and had no measurable effect on cyclooxygenase metabolism (1-10 microM) i.e., 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Addition of exogenous 15-HETE produced similar effects. These results suggest that the manipulation of macrophage 15-OH-20:3n-6 levels may provide a measure of cellular control over 20:4n-6 metabolism, specifically, leukotriene production.

Novel renal arachidonate metabolites

Cells of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TALH) metabolize arachidonic acid (AA) via the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system to biologically active products that are resolved into two peaks, P1 and P2, on reverse-phase HPLC. Each peak contains materials that have characteristic biological activity. P1 contains a material that relaxes blood vessels and is structurally similar to a vasodilator, the 5,6 epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET). P2 contains a material that inhibits cardiac Na+-K+-ATPase, the major component of which has been identified as the 11,12 dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid. In mTALH cells obtained from rabbits made hypertensive by aortic coarctation, there was a selective increase in P1 and P2 formation compared to other renomedullary cells. We have identified AA metabolites in bovine corneal epithelium with biological properties and chemical features similar to those of mTALH cells. 12(R)hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(R) HETE) a possible derivative of the 11,12-EET, is produced by the cornea and also has been shown to inhibit Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Renal microsomes obtained from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) also metabolize AA via a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase pathway to three principal biologically active metabolites that are formed in increased amounts during the developmental phase of hypertension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The inhibition of PB125I formation in calf thyroid caused by 14-iodo-15-hydroxy-eicosatrienoic acid is due to decreased H2O2 availability

Previous work from our laboratory has shown that 14-iodo-15-hydroxy-5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid (I-HO-A) is a potent inhibitor of iodine organification in calf thyroid slices. The present studies were performed in order to clarify the mechanism of this action. Incubation of thyroid slices with 10(-4)M I-HO-A caused a 47 and 53% decrease in PB125I formation after 30 and 60 min incubation, respectively. In a series of experiments an inverse relationship between the degree of inhibition caused by I-HO-A and total iodine content and basal iodoprotein formation was observed. Chromatographic analysis of the labeled compounds showed a significant decrease in 125I incorporation into MIT, DIT, T3 and total iodolipid. The site of the inhibitory effect of I-HO-A was then sought. TPO was measured by three different methods. When TPO was solubilized from I-HO-A treated slices, no change in enzymatic activity was observed. Moreover, the same lack of action was found when solubilized TPO was incubated with I-HO-A. The production and release of H2O2 into the incubation medium was measured by chemiluminiscence technique. In control slices the values increased during the first 10 min and reached a plateau. Pretreatment of the slices with 10(-4)M KI caused a 51% inhibition, while the same concentration of I-HO-A produced a 59% inhibition. The possibility that I-HO-A might exert its action through a putative protein inhibitor was also explored. Incubation of slices with 10(-5)M I-HO-A caused a 46% decrease in PB125I formation and addition of actinomycin D or puromycin failed to alter this effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Epoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid inhibit vasopressin response in toad bladder

In addition to cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, the kidney can also metabolize arachidonic acid by a NADPH-dependent cytochrome P-450 enzyme to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs); furthermore, 5,6-EET has been shown to alter electrolyte transport across isolated renal tubules. We examined the effects of three EETs (5,6-, 11, 12-, and 14,15-EET) on osmotic water flow across toad urinary bladder. All three EETs reversibly inhibited vasopressin-stimulated osmotic water flow with 5,6- and 11,12-EET being the most potent. The effects appeared to be independent of prostaglandins. EETs inhibited the water flow response to forskolin but not (with the exception of 11,12-EET) the response to adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) or 8-BrcAMP, consistent with an effect on cAMP generation. For 11,12-EET the question of an additional inhibition at a site beyond or independent of cAMP has to be considered. To determine whether these effects were due to the EETs or to products of their metabolism, we examined the effects of their vicinal diol hydrolysis products, the dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. Nonenzymatic conversion of labeled 5,6-EET to its vicinal diol occurred rapidly in the buffer, whereas 11,12-EET was hydrolyzed in a saturable manner only when incubated in the presence of bladder tissue. The dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids formed inhibited water flow in a manner paralleling that of the EETs. Both 5,6-EET and 11,12-EET (10(-5) M) prevented the increase in intracellular cAMP content observed in control tissues after vasopressin stimulation. Finally, 11,12- and 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid inhibited vasopressin- and forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in the same rank order as their inhibition of water flow.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Epoxy derivatives of arachidonic acid are potent stimulators of prolactin secretion

Arachidonic acid is metabolized to three distinct classes of metabolites: cyclooxygenase produces prostaglandins, prostacyclins, and thromboxanes; lipoxygenase produces hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids and, epoxygenase, a NADPH-dependent cytochrome P-450 enzyme, produces epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Addition of 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (5,6-EET) to GH3 cells, a rat anterior pituitary cell line, produces a rapid, dose-dependent stimulation of prolactin (PRL) release. Incubation with arachidonic acid (AA) was ineffective at increasing PRL release. The lipoxygenase metabolite 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), however, increased PRL release from GH3 cells but with a much lower maximal response than 5,6-EET. We examined the role of metabolism inhibitors in 5,6-EET-mediated PRL release. Microsomal and cytosolic epoxide hydrolase (EH) inhibitors do not alter 5,6-EET-induced PRL release, suggesting that EH does not play a significant role in 5,6-EET mediated PRL release from GH3 cells. A chemical analog of 5,6-EET wherein the epoxide oxygen is replaced with a sulfur to afford 5,6-thioepoxyeicosatrienoic acid was also tested and found to stimulate the release of PRL, although not to the same extent as 5,6-EET. Although 5-HETE tends to increase PRL release from GH3 cells, 5,6-EET is significantly more potent at the stimulation of PRL release from GH3 cells.

Vasoactivity of arachidonic acid epoxides

Arachidonic acid (AA) can be metabolized to epoxides and their corresponding diols via the cytochrome P450 epoxygenase pathway. We have compared the vascular activity of four synthetically prepared epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, i.e. 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12- and 14,15-EET (2-20 microM) on the isolated perfused rat tail artery. The 5,6-EET was equipotent with acetylcholine in dose dependently reducing vascular resistance (ED50 = 3.4 +/- 0.5 microM). The 8,9-, 11,12- and 14,15-EETs of AA did not affect vascular resistance; neither did the 5,6-DHET and delta-lactone, hydrolysis products of 5,6-epoxide. We suggest that the 5,6-epoxide, in contrast to other cytochrome P450-derived products, contributes to the regulation of regional vascular tone.

Synergistic enhancement of mitogen responses of human lymphocytes by inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase and 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid, an inhibitor of 12-lipoxygenase and leukotriene biosynthesis

Blood mononuclear cells are well-known producers of various cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid, some of which possess immunoregulatory functions. In the present investigation, we have examined 3H-thymidine incorporation in human blood lymphocytes cultured with polyclonal mitogens and antigens in the presence of various inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase (such as indomethacin and meclofenamic acid) and an inhibitor of 12-lipoxygenase and leukotriene biosynthesis, 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid (ETI). It was observed that these inhibitors could augment mitogen responses of nonpurified lymphocyte preparations but not of preparations which were depleted of monocytes. The results indicate that monocytes and not lymphocytes were the main producers of immunosuppressive eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid. Further, mitogenic responses in the presence of both an inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase and ETI were augmented to a higher extent than expected. Again, this enhancement was not observed in preparations depleted of monocytes. Arachidonic acid metabolism was examined in mitogen-stimulated cultures pulsed with 14C-arachidonic acid. It was observed that the production of three metabolites was inhibited by meclofenamic acid, whereas the amounts of another 14Cr-labeled compound were almost doubled in the presence of meclofenamic acid.

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity and platelet aggregation by epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Influence of stereochemistry

Certain epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) that were not cyclooxygenase substrates were effective cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Both (+/-)-14,15-cis-EET and (+/-)-8,9-cis-EET inhibited purified enzyme at concentrations from 1 to 50 microM; (+/-)-11,12-cis-EET was ineffective at concentrations below 100 microM. For the case of 14,15-cis-EET, only the (14R,15S)-stereoisomer was active. Other isomers including (14S,15R)-cis-EET, (14R,15R)-trans-EET, (14S,15S)-trans-EET, and the erythro and threo vicinal 14,15-diols were inactive. In addition to their effects on isolated enzyme preparations, cyclooxygenase activity in platelet suspensions, reflected by thromboxane B2 formation, was also inhibited by (14R,15S)-cis-EET and (+/-)-8,9-cis-EET but not by the other isomers. Thus potency and stereospecificity requirements were maintained for cyclooxygenase within intact platelets. Unlike the stereospecific inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid was inhibited by all EET isomers at concentrations from 1 to 10 microM with no evident stereospecificity. Inhibition of aggregation was not uniformly associated with inhibition of thromboxane B2 formation; ordinarily, these two parameters correlate closely. This dissociation was not maintained for another biochemical process involved in platelet activation. For instance, there was a uniform correlation between inhibition of phosphorylation of a 40-kDa platelet protein and inhibition of aggregation. Our results suggest that effects of EET may originate from either stereospecific or nonspecific mechanisms. Definition of such mechanisms may be important to appreciate any physiological relevance of these substances.

Effects of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid intake on platelet functions in elderly people

Sixteen old subjects were given daily dietary supplement of lg of linoleic acid and lg of gamma-linolenic acid (primerose oil) or 2g of linoleic acid (sunflower oil) for periods of two months. Haemostatic parameters, platelet aggregation, exogenous and endogenous arachidonic acid metabolism were investigated before and after the intake. Diets did not induce any significant change in haemostatic parameters (bleeding time, levels of anti-thrombin III, plasminogen and plasma beta-TG and PF4). Platelet rich plasma aggregation induced by collagen and arachidonic acid were significantly reduced after linoleic acid (18:2n-6) intake. In contrast, gamma-linolenic acid (18:3n-6) supplement did not alter aggregation. However, thromboxane B2 formation (under stimulation) and vitamin E level in platelets (but not in plasma) were decreased after 18:3n-6 as compared to 18:2n-6 intake. The mechanism of thromboxane B2 decrease is unclear. Nevertheless, we may speculate that beneficial effect of this decrease could be counterbalanced by the decreased platelet vitamin E. We conclude that intake of 18:2n-6 or 18:3n-6 does not affect much platelet functions in elderly people.

Association of prostaglandin metabolism with urine volume; dissociation from excretion of Na+ and K+ by stress

Stress induced by routine cage cleaning causes retention of Na+ and K+, and increased water and prostaglandin metabolite excretion when measured either against concurrent-controls or against self-control values. This novel stress completely masked the diuretic effects of a long-acting prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor previously observed in a stress-free environment. The results show that prostaglandin synthesis and urine volume regulation are closely associated. They also demonstrate a complete dissociation of urine volume and prostaglandin synthesis regulation from electrolyte regulatory mechanisms in a stressful environment.

Epoxide hydratase assay in human platelets using hepoxilin A3 as a lipid substrate

1-14C-labelled hepoxilin A3 (8-hydroxy-11,12-epoxyeicosa-5,9,14-trienoic acid) was generated from 1-14C-labelled arachidonic acid during incubation with a rat lung preparation lacking epoxide hydratase activity. The HPLC purified hepoxilin A3 gave only two isomeric 8,11,12-triols (termed trioxilins A3) upon incubation with a rat lung preparation containing epoxide hydratase activity. Based on this simple reaction an assay was developed using only 2000 cpm/tube of substrate and aliquots of a homogenate of platelet membranes from man. Products were assayed by thin-layer radiochromatography. Males were noted to have higher epoxide hydratase activity for this substrate than females.

Effects of gamma-linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and ethanol on cultured human mammary carcinoma cells

A number of fatty acids have been shown to inhibit the growth of malignant cells in vitro. In particular, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has been proposed to act as a precursor for the production of prostanoids especially prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). To test this hypothesis, the effects of GLA on cultured human breast carcinoma cells were compared with those of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) the metabolite of GLA and the immediate precursor of PGE1. The influence of ethanol (which has been shown to enhance conversion of DGLA to PGE1) on the actions of each of the fatty acids was also investigated. In contrast to the inhibitory effects observed with all concentrations of GLA cell growth was promoted by the presence of 50 micrograms DGLA. Ethanol reduced the action of both GLA and DGLA possibly due to some physicochemical reaction between the alcohol and the fatty acids. The fact that the actions of GLA were not mimicked by DGLA which is the next step towards PG production casts doubt upon the role of PGE1 as mediator of the effects which have been observed with GLA in malignant cells.

Ovarian lipoxygenase activity and its regulation by gonadotropin in the rat

In our previous study a dose-dependent blockage of follicular rupture at ovulation by inhibitors of lipoxygenase was demonstrated. Here the presence of 5-lipoxygenase activity in the whole ovary and in the Graafian follicle is estimated by a chemiluminescence assay using unlabeled arachidonic acid as substrate in the presence of luminol and by conversion of 14C-arachidonic acid into lipoxygenase products as separated by HPLC. Both approaches demonstrated lipoxygenase activity in whole ovarian homogenates and in homogenates of preovulatory Graafian follicles. Furthermore, within 6 h after stimulation in vivo with hCG, lipoxygenase activity was increased by 2-fold in the whole ovarian homogenate and by 5-fold in the follicular homogenate. These results confirm the presence of lipoxygenase in rat ovaries, and its stimulation by gonadotropin and thus corroborate the suggested involvement of lipoxygenase products in follicular rupture at ovulation.

Comparative diuretic, saluretic, kaliuretic, and prostaglandin synthetase inhibitory activities of a competitive inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase and spironolactone

A newly described in vivo and in vitro competitive inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase, 2-methyl, 8-cis, 12-trans, 14-cis, eicosatrienoic acid, a functional and structural analog of the endogenous substrates of prostaglandin E biosynthesis, as well as an analog of a putative intermediate in PGE1 biosynthesis, was shown to increase long-term urine excretion, and decrease long-term prostaglandin metabolite excretion in a linear dose-related manner. The correlation of both responses with dose were large (0.94, and 0.91 respectively), and nearly identical, within the limits of experimental error. In parallel studies, similar properties and nearly identical correlation coefficients were demonstrated for spironolactone, a known diuretic, suggesting that both drugs may be acting on mechanisms which may be closely associated and which may be involved in regulation of water and salt.