The effect of antiprogestin (RU 486) and prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibitor (naproxen) on uterine fluid prostaglandin F2 alpha concentrations

In the present study the effect of the antiprogestin RU 486 and the prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibitor, naproxen, on uterine fluid concentration of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) was investigated. RU 486, 200 mg, was administered two days after the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and naproxen, 500 mg, was given every 12th hour five times starting 4 days after the LH surge. Uterine fluid was collected in the proliferative phase at ovulation and in the mid-luteal phase in a control and treatment cycle. The amount of PGF2 alpha was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In the control cycle, the highest concentration of PGF2 alpha was found in the mid-luteal phase, and the lowest at the time of ovulation. Both RU 486 and naproxen reduced the PGF2 alpha concentration in uterine fluid considerably, or to 22-25% of that in the control cycle at the time of implantation. PGF2 alpha produced by the endometrium is believed to be of importance for the implantation of the blastocyst. Postovulatory treatment with RU 486 effectively prevents implantation, probably mainly by inhibiting the maturation of the endometrium during the secretory phase of the cycle. It is suggested that the inhibition of PGF2 alpha release through the uterine fluid caused by RU 486 may also be of importance.

Stabilization of purified human 5-lipoxygenase with glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase

Human 5-lipoxygenase (5LO) becomes very unstable after purification. Commonly used methods for protein stabilization could not prevent this inactivation. However, addition of small amounts of glutathione peroxidase (0.15 micrograms/ml) and superoxide dismutase (1 microgram/ml) to the solution of purified 5LO (300-500 micrograms/ml) stabilized the enzyme during storage. The protected 5LO maintained full activity for at least 12 days at 25 degrees C, while 50% of the activity was lost within 10 h without protection. Glutathione peroxidase alone also preserved the activity of 5-lipoxygenase; however, the effect declined rapidly in the absence of superoxide dismutase. 2-Mercaptoethanol was the most efficient hydrogen donor substrate for glutathione peroxidase in the protection of 5LO. Catalase was less effective as a stabilizing agent, and ebselen, a synthetic glutathione peroxidase-mimicking compound, did not protect 5LO. Since many metal ion binding proteins are susceptible to H2O2 inactivation, this method could be useful also for the stabilization of other proteins.

BW A4C and other hydroxamic acids are potent inhibitors of linoleic acid 8R-dioxygenase of the fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis

Linoleic acid is converted to 8R-hydroperoxylinoleic acid by the soluble 8R-dioxygenase of the fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis. Effects of different lipoxygenase inhibitors on the 8R-dioxygenase were evaluated. Three hydroxamic acid derivatives were investigated. BW A4C (N-(3-phenoxycinnamyl)acetohydroxamic acid) was the most potent with an IC50 of 0.2 microM, followed by zileuton (3-10 microM) and linoleate-hydroxamic acid (0.02 mM). Two other lipoxygenase inhibitors, nordihydroguaiaretic acid and eicosatetraynoic acid, were less potent (IC50 0.09 and 0.15 mM, respectively). The 8R-dioxygenase was also strongly inhibited by commonly used buffer additives, dithiothreitol, beta-mercaptoethanol and phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride. G. graminis also contains a hydroperoxide isomerase, which converts 8R-hydroperoxylinoleic acid to 7S,8S-dihydroxylinoleic acid. Ammonium sulphate precipitation and gel filtration indicated that the dioxygenase and the hydroperoxide isomerase activities could be separated.

The lipoxygenase activity of myoglobin. Oxidation of linoleic acid by the ferryl oxygen rather than protein radical

Linoleic (9(Z),12(Z)-octadecadienoic) acid is oxidized by sperm whale myoglobin and H2O2 to an 84:16 (9S):(9R) enantiomer mixture of 9-hydroperoxy-10(E),12(Z)-octadecadienoic acid. Neither the 9,10- nor 12,13-epoxide of linoleic acid, nor 9-hydroxy-10(E),12(Z)-octadecadienoic nor 13-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadeca-dienoic acids, is detectably formed. Incubations with [(11R)-2H]- and [(11S)-2H]linoleic acids indicate that the pro-R hydrogen is abstracted 76% of the time. An H64V mutant in which access to the heme crevice is increased oxidizes linoleic acid exclusively by abstraction of the pro-R hydrogen to give the (9S)-hydroperoxide. Spectroscopic studies show that the Kd value for binding of linoleic acid to myoglobin is similar to the Km value for its oxidation and indicate that linoleic acid reduces the ferryl species to the ferric state. The stereochemical results, supported by 18O-labeling studies, definitively rule out a significant role for singlet oxygen in the myoglobin-catalyzed, H2O2-dependent oxidation of linoleic acid. The myoglobin protein radical formed with H2O2 also plays no part in the reaction because the Km and Vmax values for the oxidation of linoleic acid are similar for native myoglobin and two mutants (K102Q/Y103F/Y146F/Y151F and H64V/K102Q/Y103F/Y146F/Y151F) with no tyrosine residues. Furthermore, the rate of formation of the 9-hydroperoxide is not changed if the protein radical is allowed to decay before linoleic acid is added. The results establish that linoleic acid is oxidized within the heme crevice by reaction with the ferryl oxygen rather than a protein radical. They indicate, furthermore, that hydrogen abstraction and oxygen addition occur in an antarafacial manner and suggest a specific model for binding of linoleic acid within the myoglobin active site.

Sequential oxygenation of linoleic acid in the fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis: stereochemistry of dioxygenase and hydroperoxide isomerase reactions

Linoleic acid is sequentially oxygenated to (7S,8S)-dihydroxylinoleic acid by dioxygenase and hydroperoxide isomerase activities present in the fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis (Brodowsky, I. D., Hamberg, M., and Oliw, E. H., J. Biol. Chem. 267, 14738-14745 (1992)). Linoleic acids stereospecifically deuterated at C-7 and C-8 were prepared by biological desaturation of the corresponding stearates and used to determine the stereochemistry of the hydrogen abstractions occurring in the dioxygenase- and hydroperoxide isomerase-catalyzed reactions. The dioxygenase reaction was found to involve stereospecific abstraction of the pro-S hydrogen from C-8 followed by antarafacial insertion of dioxygen to produce (8R)-hydroperoxylinoleic acid. The hydroperoxide isomerase reaction consisted of conversion of (8R)-hydroperoxylinoleic acid into (7S,8S)-dihydroxylinoleic acid by stereospecific elimination of the pro-S hydrogen from C-7 and intramolecular suprafacial insertion of oxygen at C-7. Accordingly, during the conversion of linoleic acid into (8R)-hydroperoxylinoleic acid, the absolute configuration of C-8 was inverted, while the conversion of (8R)-hydroperoxylinoleic acid into (7S,8S)-dihydroxylinoleic acid occurred with retention of absolute configuration at C-7.

Oxygenation of 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid by prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase and by cytochrome P450 monooxygenase: structure and mechanism of formation of major metabolites

Incubation of 5,8,11-[1-14C]eicosatrienoic acid with prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase of ram vesicular gland microsomes led to formation of a number of polar metabolites. Four major compounds were characterized by chemical and physical methods and found to be: (11R)-hydroxy-5,8,12-eicosatrienoic acid, 8,9,11-trihydroxy-5,12-eicosadienoic acid (two diastereoisomers), and 8,9-epoxy-11-hydroxy-5,12-eicosadienoic acid. On the basis of previous studies on the mechanism of prostaglandin biosynthesis it seemed likely that the initial step of conversion of 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid consisted of removal of the pro-S hydrogen from C-13. The resulting carbon-centered radical was apparently attacked by dioxygen at C-13 to provide a (13R)-(hydro)peroxy derivative, which served as the precursor of (13R)-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid. Alternatively, attack by dioxygen occurred at C-11 to produce an (11R)-peroxy radical. This intermediate was further converted to (11R)-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid by reduction, into two 8,9,11-trihydroxy-5,12-eicosadienoic acids by successive cyclization, oxygenation, and reduction, and into the epoxy-hydroxy acid by cyclization and intramolecular epoxidation. The relative abundance of (13R)-hydroxy-5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid, (11R)-hydroxy-5,8,12-eicosatrienoic acid, and the epoxy alcohol plus the two 8,9,11-triols was 51, 9, and 40%, respectively. The oxygenation at C-13 and C-11 of 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid was inhibited by 90% in the presence of diclofenac, an inhibitor of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase. The two diastereomeric 8,9,11-trihydroxy acids and the epoxy-hydroxy acid are novel oxylipins and their formation provides independent chemical evidence for the existence of an 11-peroxy radical intermediate in prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase catalysis. Oxygenation of 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid by cytochrome P450 from liver microsomes of cynomolgus monkeys and phenobarbital-treated rats was also investigated. The metabolites formed included 19- and 20-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid, 8,9- and 11,12-dihydroxyeicosadienoic acids (formed by enzymatic hydrolysis of the corresponding epoxides), and (12R)-hydroxy-5,8,10-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid.

Biosynthesis of vicinal dihydroxy fatty acids in the red alga Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis: identification of a sodium-dependent 12-lipoxygenase and a hydroperoxide isomerase

Biosynthesis of the vicinal diol fatty acid (12R,13S)-dihydroxy-(5Z,8Z,10E,14Z)-eicosatetrae noic acid from arachidonic acid was studied in preparations of the red alga Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis. The transformation consisted of initial 12-lipoxygenase-catalyzed oxygenation of arachidonic acid into (12S)-hydroperoxy-(5Z,8Z,10E,14Z)-eicosatetraeno ic acid followed by hydroperoxide isomerase-catalyzed conversion of the hydroperoxide into (12R,13S)-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Short time incubations and trapping experiments with glutathione peroxidase revealed that (12S)-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid existed as a free intermediate in the overall conversion. The 12-lipoxygenase was mainly present in the soluble fraction of homogenate of G. lemaneiformis. Further, gel filtration experiments showed that the soluble 12-lipoxygenase was a protein having a molecular weight of 84,000-89,000. The enzymatic activity of 12-lipoxygenase isolated by gel filtration was weak; however, addition of 0.8-1 M sodium chloride to such desalted enzyme increased the activity 20-fold. Experiments with different salts revealed that sodium ion was specifically responsible for the stimulatory effect. Hydroperoxide isomerase was about equally distributed between the high speed supernatant and particulate fractions. Gel filtration of hydroperoxide isomerase present in the soluble fraction showed two peaks of activity corresponding to proteins having molecular weights of 220,000 or greater, and 40,000-45,000. The stereochemical course of the biosynthesis of vicinal diol fatty acids was determined using stereospecifically deuterated 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acids. The 12-lipoxygenase-catalyzed reaction consisted of antarafacial hydrogen removal and oxygen insertion, whereas the hydroperoxide isomerase catalyzed an intramolecular oxygenation which occurred with retention of the configuration of the carbon atom hydroxylated.

Oxygenation of (3Z)-nonenal to (2E)-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in the broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

Incubation of (3Z)-nonenal (NON) with the 269,000-g particle fraction of seed homogenate of the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) afforded (2E)-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) as the principal product. One pathway of HNE formation consisted of initial oxygenation of NON into (2E)-4-hydroperoxy-2-nonenal (HPNE) by a novel (3Z)-alkenal oxygenase activity, followed by conversion of HPNE into HNE by a previously recognized hydroperoxide-dependent epoxygenase. The hydroperoxide intermediate was detected in coincubations of NON and oleic acid, in which experiments the HPNE generated from NON supported epoxygenase-catalyzed epoxidation of oleic acid into 9,10-epoxystearic acid. Furthermore, by using an enzyme preparation in which the epoxygenase had been inactivated by pretreatment with hydrogen peroxide it was possible to isolate and characterize racemic (4R,4S) HPNE following incubation of NON. Although the (3Z)-alkenal oxygenase resembled a lipoxygenase in its action, it was not inhibited by the lipoxygenase inhibitors, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid and nordihydroguaiaretic acid. In a second pathway, HNE was produced by rearrangement of 3,4-epoxynonenal, which was in turn formed from NON by a reaction catalyzed by hydroperoxide-dependent epoxygenase. Support for this pathway came from experiments in which 18O-labeled HNE was isolated following coincubation of NON and 13-18O-labeled linoleic acid 13-hydroperoxide. The existence of 3,4-epoxynonenal as a transient intermediate in HNE biosynthesis was further demonstrated by the isolation of 3,4-epoxynonenal (61% (4R)-configuration) as a trapping product in short time incubations interrupted by addition of sodium borohydride. The two pathways established for biosynthesis of HNE involved the hydroperoxide-reducing and the olefin-epoxidizing activities of hydroperoxide-dependent epoxygenase. In the absence of extraneous olefins and hydroperoxides the two pathways would be tightly coupled and follow the stoichiometry: 2NON + 1O2-->2HNE. It was also shown that the V. faba particle fraction catalyzed oxygenation of (3Z)-hexenal into (2E)-4-hydroxy-2-hexenal.

Bis-allylic hydroxylation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by hepatic monooxygenases and its relation to the enzymatic and nonenzymatic formation of conjugated hydroxy fatty acids

[14C]Linoleic acid was incubated with phenobarbital-induced rat liver microsomes and formation of cis-trans-conjugated hydroxy fatty acids was investigated. 13-Hydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), 9-hydroxy-10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acid (9-HODE), and three novel metabolites were identified, viz. 11-hydroxy-9Z,12Z-octadecadienoic acid (11-HODE), 8-HODE, and 14-HODE. 11-HODE (59% R), the main product, was unstable and converted to 9(R, S)-HODE and 13(R, S)-HODE in acidic media. All metabolites contained oxygen from O2. Experiments under oxygen-18 gas showed that 13-HODE and 9-HODE contained equal or less amounts of oxygen-18 than the other metabolites. In the former case, 9-HODE and 13-HODE were formed with stereo-selectivity (80-82% R). [11S-2H]Linoleic acid was metabolized to 13R-HODE with loss of deuterium (24% 2H) and to 9R-HODE with deuterium retention (95% 2H), while [11R-2H]linoleic acid was metabolized to 13R-HODE that largely retained the label (71% 2H) and to 9R-HODE that lost most of the label (22% 2H). These data indicated that P450 catalyzed abstraction of the pro-R hydrogen at C11, double bond migration and suprafacial oxygen insertion at C9 to give 9R-HODE, while abstraction of the pro-S hydrogen at C11, followed by double bond migration and oxygen insertion, yielded 13R-HODE. Hepatic microsomes of the cynomolgus monkey metabolized 18:2n-6 as above and 20:4n-6 to 13-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, likely formed in analogy with 11-HODE. In summary, one mechanism in the biosynthesis of cis-trans-conjugated hydroxy fatty acids by P450 involves suprafacial hydrogen abstraction and oxygen insertion. In addition, hydrolysis of the unstable bis-allylic hydroxy metabolites may contribute to the formation of conjugated hydroxy fatty acids.

Metabolism of 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid in the red alga Lithothamnion corallioides: mechanism of formation of a conjugated tetraene fatty acid

Incubation of [1-14C]6(Z),9(Z),12(Z)-octadecatrienoic acid with an enzyme preparation from the red alga Lithothamnion corallioides Crouan led to the formation of two new compounds, i.e. the conjugated tetraene 6(Z),8(E),10(E),12(Z)-octadecatetraenoic acid and the bis-allylic hydroxy acid 11(R)-hydroxy-6(Z),9(Z),12(Z)-octadecatrienoic acid. These two compounds were formed by independent pathways and were not interconvertible by the enzyme preparation. Experiments with stereospecifically deuteriated 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acids demonstrated that formation of 6,8,10,12-octadecatetraenoic acid was accompanied by loss of the pro-S and pro-R hydrogens from C-8 and C-11, respectively, whereas formation of 11-hydroxy-6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid proceeded with loss of the pro-S hydrogen from C-11. Biosynthesis of 6,8,10,12-octadecatetraenoic acid was dioxygen-dependent and was accompanied by production of hydrogen peroxide. A number of artificial electron acceptors supported formation of 6,8,10,12-octadecatetraenoic acid under anaerobic conditions. The existence in Lithothamnion corallioides of a fatty acid oxidase that catalyzes the oxidation of certain poly-unsaturated fatty acids into conjugated tetraene fatty acids is postulated.

A linoleic acid (8R)-dioxygenase and hydroperoxide isomerase of the fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis. Biosynthesis of (8R)-hydroxylinoleic acid and (7S,8S)-dihydroxylinoleic acid from (8R)-hydroperoxylinoleic acid

The fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis metabolized linoleic acid extensively to (8R)-hydroperoxylinoleic acid, (8R)-hydroxylinoleic acid, and threo-(7S,8S)-dihydroxylinoleic acid. When G. graminis was incubated with linoleic acid under an atmosphere of oxygen-18, the isotope was incorporated into (8R)-hydroxylinoleic acid and 7,8-dihydroxylinoleic acid. The two hydroxyls of the latter contained either two oxygen-18 or two oxygen-16 atoms, whereas a molecular species that contained both oxygen isotopes was formed in negligible amounts. Glutathione peroxidase inhibited the biosynthesis of 7,8-dihydroxylinoleic acid. These findings demonstrated that the diol was formed from (8R)-hydroperoxylinoleic acid by intramolecular hydroxylation at carbon 7, catalyzed by a hydroperoxide isomerase. The (8R)-dioxygenase appeared to metabolize substrates with a saturated carboxylic side chain and a 9Z-double bond. G. graminis also formed omega 2- and omega 3-hydroxy metabolites of the fatty acids. In addition, linoleic acid was converted to small amounts of nearly (65% R) racemic 10-hydroxy-8,12-octadecadienoic acid by incorporation of atmospheric oxygen. An unstable metabolite, 11-hydroxylinoleic acid, could also be isolated as well as (13R,13S)-hydroxy-(9E,9Z), (11E)-octadecadienoic acids and (9R,9S)-hydroxy-(10E), (12E,12Z)-octadecadienoic acids. In summary, G. graminis contains a prominent linoleic acid (8R)-dioxygenase, which differs from the lipoxygenase family of dioxygenases by catalyzing the formation of a hydroperoxide without affecting the double bonds of the substrate.

On the Specificity of a Fatty Acid Epoxygenase in Broad Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Seeds of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) contain a hydroperoxide-dependent fatty acid epoxygenase. Hydrogen peroxide served as an effective oxygen donor in the epoxygenase reaction. Fifteen unsaturated fatty acids were incubated with V. faba epoxygenase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and the epoxy fatty acids produced were identified. Examination of the substrate specificity of the epoxygenase using a series of monounsaturated fatty acids demonstrated that (Z)-fatty acids were rapidly epoxidized into the corresponding cis-epoxy acids, whereas (E)-fatty acids were converted into their trans-epoxides at a very slow rate. In the series of (Z)-monoenoic acids, the double bond position as well as the chain length influenced the rate of epoxidation. The best substrates were found to be palmitoleic, oleic, and myristoleic acids. Steric analysis showed that most of the epoxy acids produced from monounsaturated fatty acids as well as from linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids had mainly the (R),(S) configuration. Exceptions were C(18) acids having the epoxide group located at C-12/13, in which cases the (S),(R) enantiomers dominated. 13(S)-Hydroxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid incubated with epoxygenase afforded the epoxy alcohol 9(S),10(R)-epoxy-13(S)-hydroxy-11(E)-octadecenoic acid as the major product. Smaller amounts of the diastereomeric epoxy alcohol 9(R),10(S)-epoxy-13(S)-hydroxy-11(E)-octadecenoic acid as well as the alpha,beta-epoxy alcohol 11(R),12(R)-epoxy-13(S)-hydroxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid were also obtained. The soluble fraction of homogenate of V. faba seeds contained an epoxide hydrolase activity that catalyzed the conversion of cis-9,10-epoxyoctadecanoic acid into threo-9,10-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid.

Oxylipin metabolism in the red alga Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis: mechanism of formation of vicinal dihydroxy fatty acids

Conversion of arachidonic acid into the vicinal diol fatty acid 12R,13S-dihydroxy-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid using an acetone powder of the marine red alga, Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis, occurred via intermediate formation of 12S-hydroperoxy-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid. Incubations of the linoleic acid-derived 13S- and 13R-hydroperoxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acids led to the formation of 13R,14S-dihydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid and 13S,14S-dihydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid, respectively, whereas incubation of 9S-hydroperoxy-10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acid resulted in the formation of 8S,9R-dihydroxy-10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acid. Experiments with 18O2-labeled 13S-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid demonstrated that the oxygens of the two hydroxyl groups of 13R,14S-dihydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid originated in the hydroperoxy group of the substrate. Furthermore, experiments with mixtures of unlabeled and 18O2-labeled 13S-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid showed that conversion into 13R,14S-dihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid occurred by a reaction involving an intramolecular hydroxylation at C-14 by the distal hydroperoxide oxygen. The existence of a hydroperoxide isomerase in G. lemaneiformis which catalyzes the conversion of fatty acid hydroperoxides into vicinal diol fatty acids is postulated.

Hydroperoxide-dependent epoxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

Incubation of linoleic acid with the 105,000g particle fraction of the homogenate of the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) led to the formation of the following products: 13(S)-hydroxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid, 9,10-epoxy-12(Z)-octadecenoic acid (9(R),10(S)/9(S)/10(R), 80/20), 12,13-epoxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid (12(S),13(R)/12(R)/13(S), 64/36), and 9,10-epoxy-13(S)-hydroxy-11(E)-octadecenoic acid (9(S),10(R)/9(R),10(S), 91/9). Oleic acid incubated with the enzyme preparation in the presence of 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid or cumene hydroperoxide was converted into 9,10-epoxyoctadecanoic acid (9(R),10(S)/9(S),10(R), 79/21). Two enzyme activities were involved in the formation of the products, an omega 6-lipoxygenase and a hydroperoxide-dependent epoxygenase. The lipoxygenase, but not the epoxygenase, was inhibited by low concentrations of 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid and nordihydroguaiaretic acid. In contrast, the epoxygenase, but not the lipoxygenase, was readily inactivated in the presence of 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid. Studies with 18O2-labeled 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid showed that the epoxide oxygens of 9,10-epoxyoctadecanoic acid and of 9,10-epoxy-13(S)-hydroxy-11(E)-octadecenoic acid were derived from hydroperoxide and not from molecular oxygen.

15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid is the major arachidonic acid metabolite in human bronchi: association with airway epithelium

15(S)-Hydroxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) was by far the most abundant metabolite of arachidonic acid in chopped human bronchi, as identified by reverse phase HPLC, uv spectrometry, and GC/MS. The quantitation of monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (mono-HETEs) was performed by the use of 16(S)-hydroxy-9(Z),12(Z),14(E)-heneicosatrienoic acid as internal standard. Thus, significant amounts of 15-HETE were obtained in incubations of bronchi in buffer alone, but the addition of exogenous arachidonic acid (3-100 microM), dose-dependently increased the formation, with maximal levels reached at around 10 min. In contrast, challenge with ionophore A23187 or anti-human IgE did not stimulate the production of 15-HETE in the bronchi. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid inhibited the production of 15-HETE, whereas indomethacin did not. Small amounts of 8,15-diHETEs were detected in incubations with exogenous 15H(P)ETE. Lipoxins were however not detected under any of the incubation conditions used. Furthermore, removal of the airway epithelium substantially diminished the production of 15-HETE in the bronchi. Finally, bronchi were obtained from three patients with asthma, and the amounts of 15-HETE in these specimens were significantly higher than those found in tissues from nonasthmatics. Also, in peripheral lung parenchyma and pulmonary blood vessels 15-HETE was the major mono-HETE after stimulation with arachidonic acid but the levels were about 10 times lower than in the bronchi. As another difference, challenge of the parenchyma with the ionophore A23187 made 5-HETE the predominant mono-HETE. Taken together, airway epithelium appears to be the major source of 15-HETE in the human lung and the findings in specimens of asthmatics raise the possibility that 15-HETE somehow is involved in airway inflammation.

Anterior stabilization of pathologic dens fractures

By an anterior approach, six pathologic dens fractures were stabilized with screws and methyl methacrylate cement. All the patients had immediate pain relief and could be mobilized without external support. Using the anterior approach, the tumor can be removed and the instability neutralized at the site of the lesion.

Allene oxide cyclase: a new enzyme in plant lipid metabolism

The mechanism of the biosynthesis of 12-oxo-10,15(Z)-phytodienoic acid (12-oxo-PDA) from 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E),15(Z)-octadecatrienoic acid in preparations of corn (Zea mays L.) was studied. In the initial reaction the hydroperoxide was converted into an unstable allene oxide, 12,13(S)-epoxy-9(Z),11,15(Z)-octadecatrienoic acid, by action of a particle-bound hydroperoxide dehydrase. A new enzyme, allene oxide cyclase, catalyzed subsequent cyclization of allene oxide into 9(S),13(S)-12-oxo-PDA. In addition, because of its chemical instability, the allene oxide underwent competing nonenzymatic reactions such as hydrolysis into alpha- and gamma-ketol derivatives as well as spontaneous cyclization into racemic 12-oxo-PDA. (+/-)-cis-12,13-Epoxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid and (+/-)-cis-12,13-epoxy-9(Z),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid, in which the epoxy group was located in the same position as in the allene oxide substrate, served as potent inhibitors of corn allene oxide cyclase. On the other hand, the isomeric (+/-)-cis-9,10-epoxy-12(Z)-octadecenoic acid had little inhibitory effect. Allene oxide cyclase was present in the soluble fraction of corn homogenate and had a molecular weight of about 45,000 as judged by gel filtration. The enzyme activity was detected in several plant tissues, the highest levels being observed in potato tubers and in leaves of spinach and white cabbage.

A gas-liquid chromatographic method for steric analysis of epoxy acids

A gas-liquid chromatographic method for determination of the absolute configuration of the two chiral carbon atoms of epoxy fatty acids was developed. The method involved (1) conversion of the saturated epoxy ester into a pair of regioisomeric allylic alcohols by consecutive treatments with selenophenoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, (2) oxidative ozonolysis performed on the (-)-menthoxycarbonyl derivatives of the allylic alcohols, and (3) steric analysis of the resulting two 2-hydroxy acids (methyl esters, (-)-menthoxycarbonyl derivatives) by gas-liquid chromatography using appropriate reference compounds. Application of the method for steric analysis of several synthetic epoxyoctadecanoates as well as (+)-vernolic acid derived from Vernonia galamensis is described.

Biosynthesis of 12-oxo-10,15(Z)-phytodienoic acid: identification of an allene oxide cyclase

Incubation of 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E),15(Z)-octadecatrienoic acid with corn (Zea mays L.) hydroperoxide dehydrase led to the formation of an unstable allene oxide derivative, 12,13(S)-epoxy-9(Z),11,15(Z)-octadecatrienoic acid. Further conversion of the allene oxide yielded two major products, i.e. alpha-ketol 12-oxo-13-hydroxy-9(Z),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid, and 12-oxo-10,15(Z)-phytodienoic acid (12-oxo-PDA). 12-Oxo-PDA was formed from allene oxide by two different pathways, i.e. spontaneous chemical cyclization, leading to racemic 12-oxo-PDA, and enzyme-catalyzed cyclization, leading to optically pure 12-oxo-PDA. The allene oxide cyclase, a novel enzyme in the metabolism of oxygenated fatty acids, was partially characterized and found to be a soluble protein with an apparent molecular weight of about 45,000 that specifically catalyzed conversion of allene oxide into 9(S),13(S)-12-oxo-PDA.

14,15-Dihydroxy-5,8,10,12-eicosatetraenoic acid. Enzymatic formation from 14,15-leukotriene A4

When 14C-labeled (14S, 15S)-14,15-trans-oxido-5,8-cis-10,12-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid (14,15-leukotriene A4) was incubated with cytosolic epoxide hydrolase purified from mouse liver, one major radiolabeled product appeared. The structure was assigned as (14R, 15S)-14,15-dihydroxy-5,8-cis-10,12-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid (14,15-DHETE), based on analytical data as well as enzyme mechanistic considerations. The formation of this compound was dependent on time and enzyme concentration and was abolished after heat treatment of the enzyme. The apparent Km and Vmax values at 37 degrees C were 11 microM and 900 nmol X mg-1 X min-1 respectively. This enzymatic hydrolysis of 14,15-leukotriene A4 represents an additional mode of formation for 14,15-DHETE, a compound previously found to modulate functions of human leukocytes.

Fatty acid allene oxides. II. Formation of two macrolactones from 12,13(S)-epoxy-9(Z),11-octadecadienoic acid

An unstable fatty acid allene oxide, 12,13(S)-epoxy-9(Z),11-octadecadienoic acid, was recently identified as the product formed from 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9(Z), 11(E)-octadecadienoic acid in the presence of corn (Zea mays L.) hydroperoxide dehydrase (M. Hamberg (1987) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 920, 76-84). The present paper is concerned with the spontaneous decomposition of 12,13(S)-epoxy-9(Z),11-octadecadienoic acid in acetonitrile solution. Two major products were isolated and characterized, i.e. macrolactones 12-keto-9(Z)-octadecen-11-olide and 12-keto-9(Z)-octadecen-13-olide.

Enzymatic formation of 5,6-dihydroxy-7,9,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid: kinetics of the reaction and stereochemistry of the product

The enzymatic conversion of leukotriene A4 into 5,6-dihydroxy-7,9,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, catalyzed by mouse liver cytosolic epoxide hydrolase (EC 3.3.2.3), was recently described (Haeggström, J., Meijer, J. and Rådmark, O. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 6332-6337). In the present study, we report analytical data confirming the stereochemistry of this novel enzymatic metabolite of leukotriene A4. By steric analysis of the vicinal diol and comparison with synthetic material, the structure was established as (5S,6R)-dihydroxy-7,9-trans-11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid. Apparent kinetic constants of this reaction were determined and found to be 5 microM and 550 nmol.mg-1.min-1, for Km and Vmax, respectively. Also, a semipurified preparation of human liver cytosolic epoxide hydrolase avidly catalyzed the same hydrolysis of leukotriene A4 (apparent Km was 8 microM). The enzyme was not inactivated by leukotriene A4, as judged by time-course experiments with a second substrate addition.

Isolation of 19,20-dehydroprostaglandins E1 and E2 in human seminal fluid and further studies on 18,19-dehydroprostaglandins E1 and E2

Human seminal fluid was recently found to contain 18,19-dehydroprostaglandins E1 and E2 (E. H. Oliw, H. Sprecher, and M. Hamberg, (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 2675-2683). In the present study, the cis and trans isomers of 18,19-dehydroprostaglandins E1 and E2 were prepared by incubation of microsomes of ram vesicular glands and glutathione with the precursor fatty acids, 8(Z),11(Z),14(Z),18(E/Z)-eicosatetraenoic acids, and 5(Z),8(Z),11(Z),14(Z),18(E/Z)-eicosapentaenoic acids, and used as references to characterize the 18,19-dehydroprostaglandins of human seminal fluid. Based on separation by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and ozonolysis of the (-)-menthoxycarbonyl derivatives and on comparison with the authentic compounds, human seminal fluid was found to contain both the cis and trans isomers of 18,19-dehydroprostaglandins E1 and E2. Furthermore, human seminal fluid contained two related compounds, viz. 19,20-dehydroprostaglandins E1 and E2. The structures of these compounds were established by conversion into the corresponding prostaglandin B compounds, by mass spectrometric analysis and by chemical degradation by oxidative ozonolysis, which afforded, inter alia, 2(S)-hydroxy-adipic acid.

Lipoxygenase products from polymorphonuclear leukocytes and epithelial cells of human saliva

Physiological mixtures of salivary cells from 10 volunteers were examined for lipoxygenase products of exogenous arachidonic acid, the intracellular penetrability of which was enhanced by ethanol. Leukotriene B4 and its nonenzymatically produced isomers as well as 5-, 12-, and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) were produced in all samples. Their identity was confirmed by retention time on reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and in the case of 12-HETE, by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In order to determine the absolute stereo-chemistry of 12-HETE, its (-)-menthoxycarbonyl derivative was prepared and subjected to oxidative ozonolysis, methylation, and finally gas chromatography. The results indicate that the original configuration is 12(S)-HETE. The production of leukotriene B4 correlated directly with the age of the donor while production of 15-HETE varied inversely with age. Alternative stimulation of lipoxygenase production by ionophore A23187 also resulted in substantial amounts of leukotriene B4 but the amount of 12-HETE produced was less than 2% of the amount generated with the ethanol/arachidonic acid method. This would suggest that 12-HETE production took place predominantly in cells which were not capable of being stimulated by the ionophore. These results point to the epithelial cells, rather than platelets, as the source. The presence of epithelial cells and neutrophils in the saliva, both of which have active lipoxygenase activity, provide the potential for cell interactions of a regulatory nature.

Monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and leukotriene production by the inflammatory cells of Xenopus laevis

Ten frogs (Xenopus laevis) were injected with mixed bacteria to produce a septic peritonitis. Peritoneal inflammatory cells of eight animals were studied for monohydroxyeicosanoid and leukotriene production from exogenous arachidonic acid. Large amounts of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid were produced; smaller amounts of 5- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic and leukotriene B4 were produced. Identifications were confirmed by retention times on HPLC, ultraviolet spectroscopy on all products, and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry in the case of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid.

Properties of the soluble arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase and 15-hydroperoxide isomerase from the oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica

The soluble hydroperoxide isomerase and 15-lipoxygenase activities were partially purified from the oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica and some of their properties characterized. Both enzymes co-eluted with a molecular weight of 145,000-150,000 on Sephacryl S-300 chromatography. The enzyme activities also co-eluted on DEAE Sephadex ion exchange chromatography and hydroxylapatite chromatography. Both activities showed similar responses to pH and temperature. Both enzymes showed parallel inhibition by p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and eicosatetraynoic acid. The partially purified hydroperoxide isomerase showed an apparent km of 166 microM and a Vmax of 5.3 mumol/min/mg protein for exogenous 15-HPETE. It was not stimulated by calcium. These results suggest that the soluble hydroperoxide isomerase and 15-lipoxygenase activities from S. parasitica are both contained on the same protein or protein complex.

Quantitative determination of prostaglandins E1, E2 and E3 in frog tissue

A method was developed for quantitative determination of endogenous production of prostaglandin (PG)E1, PGE2 and PGE3 by Rana temporaria lung, heart and urinary bladder homogenates, since these tissues contain the precursors, 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic, arachidonic and 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acids. Following homogenization and shaking at 22 degrees C for 30 min, media were extracted by XAD-2, treated with sodium hydroxide in order to convert PGE compounds into PGB compounds, purified by thin-layer chromatography, and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with homo-PGE1 as an internal standard. The ratio of prostaglandins E1, E2 and E3 compared to the ratio of fatty acid precursors in tissue suggested that the tissue content of precursor is not the only factor determining the type of prostaglandin synthesized.

Leukotrienes and related eicosanoids are produced by frog leukocytes

The metabolites of inflammatory cells produced by massive infection of the peritoneal cavity of two related European species of frogs, Rana temporaria and Rana arvalis were examined for lipoxygenase-generated products of exogenous arachidonic acid. Cells of Rana temporaria produced large amounts of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and leukotriene B4. Cells from Rana arvalis produced only 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. This is the first unequivocal demonstration of such enzyme activity in lower vertebrates. There was a trend towards increased mortality in the species without evidence of 5-lipoxygenase activity.

Characterization of prostaglandin E2 20-hydroxylase of sheep vesicular glands

The microsomal fraction of homogenates of the sheep vesicular glands, supplemented with 1 mM NADPH, metabolized 0.2 mM prostaglandin E2 to 20-hydroxyprostaglandin E2 at a rate of 76 +/- 9 pmol/min per mg of protein (with a Km of about 0.1 mM and a Vmax of about 0.1 nmol/min per mg of protein). Prostaglandin E1 was metabolized at a rate of only 8.5% of that of prostaglandin E2. The metabolism of prostaglandin E2 was decreased by 66% using 1 mM NADH instead of NADPH. alpha-Naphthoflavone (50 microM) and carbon monoxide inhibited the 20-hydroxylase by more than 60%, while 1 mM beta-diethylaminoethyl-2,2-diphenyl-pentanoate and 1 mM metyrapone inhibited it by less than 50%. The enzyme catalyzed the incorporation of atmospheric oxygen into the substrate. The findings suggest that the 20-hydroxylase could be a cytochrome P-450. The 20-hydroxylase could not be detected in vesicular glands of five rams 3 weeks after castration. The function of the enzyme is presumably to create the high level of 20-hydroxyprostaglandin E compounds in ram semen.

Identification of the major urinary metabolite of prostaglandin E3 in the rat

[11,12-3H2]Prostaglandin E3 was administered subcutaneously into male Sprague-Dawley rats in doses of 0.4 microgram-10 mg/kg body weight. 40-60% of the administered radioactivity was excreted in the urine. The major metabolite was isolated by solid phase extraction followed by three steps of high-performance liquid chromatography. The structure of the major metabolite (5-11% of the administered radioactivity) was 7 alpha,11 alpha-dihydroxy-5-ketotetranorprosta-9,13-dienoic acid as shown by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and by its conversion into 11 alpha-hydroxy-5-ketotetranorprosta-4(8),9, 13-trienoic acid.

Novel biological transformations of 15-Ls-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid

[1-14C]Arachidonic acid was incubated with homogenates of the fungus, Saprolegnia parasitica. The products consisted of comparable amounts of two epoxy alcohols, 15-Ls-hydroxy-11,12-epoxy-5cis,8cis,13trans- eicosatrienoic acid and 15-hydroxy-13,14-epoxy-5cis,8cis,11cis-eicosatrienoic acid. Results of incubations carried out in the presence of nordihydroguaiaretic acid, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid, p-hydroxymercuribenzoate as well as glutathione peroxidase plus reduced glutathione demonstrated that transformation of arachidonic acid into epoxy alcohols occurred with the formation of 15-Ls-hydroperoxy-5cis,8cis,11cis,13trans- eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE) as an intermediate. The pathway involved a lipoxygenase catalyzing the oxygenation of arachidonic acid at the 15L position to produce 15-HPETE, and a hydroperoxide isomerase activity which catalyzed conversion of 15-HPETE into the two epoxy alcohols. Studies with 15-[18O2]HPETE demonstrated that both oxygens of 15-HPETE were retained in the epoxy alcohols. Furthermore, experiments with mixtures of 15-[18O2]-and 15-[16O2]HPETE showed that conversion of 15-HPETE into epoxy alcohols occurred by an intramolecular transfer of hydroperoxide oxygen.

Isolation and biosynthesis of 20-hydroxyprostaglandins E1 and E2 in ram seminal fluid

Ram semen was found to contain 20-hydroxyprostaglandin E1 and 20-hydroxyprostaglandin E2. The relative amounts of the two compounds were almost equal, although ram semen contained at least 10 times more prostaglandin E1 than prostaglandin E2. The accessory genital glands of the ram were analyzed for their capacity to metabolize [14C]arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Biosynthesis of prostaglandins was only found in microsomes of the mucosa of the ampulla of vas deferens and in microsomes of the vesicular glands. Ram vesicular glands and the ampulla of vas deferens were also found to contain the two 20-hydroxylated E prostaglandins. Microsomes of ram vesicular glands and NADPH metabolized exogenous prostaglandin E2 to 20-hydroxyprostaglandin E2 albeit in low yields. Prostaglandin E2 appeared to be a better substrate than prostaglandin E1. Microsomes of human seminal vesicles and NADPH metabolized exogenous prostaglandin E2 to 19-hydroxyprostaglandin E2. The results show that 19- and 20-hydroxylation of prostaglandins occurs in human and ram seminal vesicles, respectively, and possibly also in the ampulla of vas deferens of the ram. The ram and human enzymes specifically hydroxylated the terminal and the penultimate carbon of prostaglandin E2, respectively.

Biosynthesis of a novel prostaglandin, delta 17-PGE1, in the ram

The prostaglandin, delta 17-PGE1, was purified from extracts of ram seminal fluid by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified after conversion to delta 17-PGB1 by UV-analysis and by capillary column gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was also formed by incubation of a homogenate of ram vesicular glands. The amount of delta 17-PGE1 in the seminal fluid and in the homogenate averaged 12% and 25% of the amount of PGE2, respectively. The results show that cis-8,11,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid can be metabolized to prostaglandins in vivo in the ram.

External fixation as a test for instability after spinal fusion L 4-S 1. A case report

A case presented with severe backache after fusion of the L 4-S 1 levels; the patient became immediately painfree after external transpedicular fixation between L 4 and the sacrum. The device was kept in place for 10 weeks. After an additional 4 weeks the patient was able to return to his work after several years of sick-leave. The case indicates instability as a cause of backache. Painful nonunion of a fusion can be present in spite of signs of healing on radiographs and CT-scan. External transpedicular fixation may be a good tool in assessing instability of the lower lumbar spine.

On the stereochemistry and biosynthesis of lipoxin B

Lipoxin B (LXB) was prepared by incubation of (15S)-15-hydroperoxy-5,8,11-cis-13-trans-icosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE) with human leukocytes. Comparison with a number of trihydroxyicosatetraenes prepared by total synthesis showed that biologically derived LXB is (5S,14R,15S)-5,14,15-trihydroxy-6,10,12-trans-8-cis-icosatetraenoi c acid. Two isomers of LXB were identified by using an improved isolation procedure. These compounds were shown to be (5S,14R,15S)-5,14,15-trihydroxy-6,8,10,12-trans-icosatetraenoic acid (8-trans-LXB) and (5S,14S,15S)-5,14,15-trihydroxy-6,8,10,12-trans-icosatetraenoic acid [(14S)-8-trans-LXB]. Experiments with 18O2 showed that formation of LXB and its two isomers occurred with incorporation of molecular oxygen at C-5 but not at C-14. These results together with the finding that (15S)-hydroxy-5,8,11-cis-13-trans-icosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) is a precursor of LXB compounds in activated leukocytes suggest that 15-hydroxy-5,6-epoxy-7,9,13-trans-11-cis-icosatetraenoic acid or its equivalent is a common intermediate in the biosynthesis of LXB and its two isomers.

Isolation of two novel E prostaglandins in human seminal fluid

cis-8,11,14,17-[1-14C]Eicosatetraenoic acid was incubated with microsomes of ram seminal vesicles and 1 mM glutathione for 3 min at 37 degrees C. The main metabolite was identified as 17,18-dehydroprostaglandin E1 by capillary column gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Human seminal fluid was analyzed for the presence of 17,18-dehydroprostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E3. Whereas prostaglandin E3 could be demonstrated by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 17,18-dehydroprostaglandin E1 could not be found under these conditions. However, human seminal fluid contained two compounds with a similar polarity on reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography as 17,18-dehydroprostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E3. The two compounds were identified as 18,19-dehydroprostaglandin E1 and 18,19-dehydroprostaglandin E2 by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, by UV analysis after conversion to the corresponding prostaglandin B compounds, and by ozonolysis. The amount of each of the two prostaglandins in human seminal fluid seemed to be in the same order of magnitude as the amount of prostaglandin E3.

Spontaneous effect of increased stability of the lower lumbar spine in cases of severe chronic back pain. The answer of an external transpeduncular fixation test

Eighteen patients with severe low-back pain of long duration were externally stabilized over selected segments of the lumbar spine to evaluate the pain relieving effect of increased stability. Five millimeter Schantz screws were driven into the vertebral body transpeduncularly by a closed technique using an image intensifier. A modified Hoffmann fixation device with possibilities to compress and distract was used for external stabilization. The results were recorded by means of pain area sketches and pain lines. All but one patient experienced remarkable relief of low-back pain and often of pain radiating into the lower extremities. No serious complications were seen. Of eight patients with residual severe pain after fusions, five were considered healed using radiologic techniques and three were improved by external stabilization. This test could be used to identify candidates, select levels for lumbar fusion, and evaluate the stability of previous fusions.

15-Lipoxygenase in human platelets

The metabolism of arachidonic acid by washed human platelets was investigated. [1-14C]Arachidonic acid was extensively converted to [1-14C]12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. In addition, several minor labeled products were formed with a considerably lower specific activity, indicating their preferential formation from endogenous substrate. These were dihydroxy metabolites of arachidonic acid with conjugated triene structures and were identified as 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (three isomers) and 8,15-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (three isomers). The identification was based on comparison with reference compounds with respect to chromatographic properties, characteristic UV spectra, and mass spectrometry of several derivatives. Bradykinin (10(-8)-10(-5) M) was found to enhance the formation of all these compounds. In addition, the monohydroxy acid fraction was found to contain 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. The present investigation thus demonstrates the occurrence of a 15-lipoxygenase in human platelets in addition to the previously known 12-lipoxygenase.

Formation of 15-HETE as a major hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in the atherosclerotic vessel wall

Atherosclerosis was induced in New Zealand White rabbits through cholesterol feeding. Aortae were taken out from treated animals and incubated with arachidonic acid. Aortae from cholesterol-fed animals converted arachidonic acid into 15-hydroxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). This conversion was not seen in aortae from control animals. The immediate precursor of 15-HETE, 15-HPETE, is an inhibitor of prostacyclin synthetase and might hamper prostacyclin production.