Effect of Pseudomonas infection on weight loss, lung mechanics, and cytokines in mice

Poor growth, Pseudomonas aeruginosa endobronchitis, pulmonary inflammation, and decline of lung function are hallmarks of cystic fibrosis (CF), yet the relationship between these features is poorly understood. Because animal models of chronic bronchopulmonary infection with P. aeruginosa used to study pulmonary inflammation in CF have also been associated with weight loss, we sought to determine whether this weight loss was due to the inflammatory process and/or to changes in lung function. P. aeruginosa-laden agarose beads were instilled into the lungs of mice. Weight loss was greatest 3 d after Pseudomonas infection. Infected mice had a rapid though transient rise in absolute neutrophil counts, mTNF-alpha, mIL-1beta, mIL-6, mip-2, and KC in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. There was no difference in lung resistance or lung compliance measured by body plethysmography between infected and control mice. Weight loss did correlate with the concentration of proinflammatory cytokine levels 3 d after inoculation of mice with Pseudomonas, and body composition analysis revealed loss of skeletal muscle mass. These results suggest that weight loss in P. aeruginosa-infected mice was associated with the inflammatory process and not with altered pulmonary responsiveness. These findings may provide insights into the cause of cachexia and weight loss seen in patients with CF.

15-HETE-substituted diglycerides selectively regulate PKC isotypes in human tracheal epithelial cells

Human tracheal epithelial (TE) cells selectively incorporate their major lipoxygenase product, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), into the sn-2 position of phosphatidylinositol (PI) (S. E. Alpert and R. W. Walenga. Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 8: 273-281, 1993). Here we investigated whether 15-HETE-PI is a substrate for receptor-mediated generation of 15-HETE-substituted diglycerides (DGs) and whether these 15-HETE-DGs directly activate and/or alter conventional diacylglycerol-induced activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isotypes in these cells. Primary human TE monolayers incubated with 0.5 microM 15-[3H]-HETE or 15-[14C]HETE for 1-2 h were stimulated with 1 nM to 1 microM platelet-activating factor (PAF) for 30 s to 6 min, and the radiolabel in the medium, cellular phospholipids, and neutral lipids was assessed by high-performance liquid and thin-layer chromatography. PAF mobilized radiolabel from PI in a dose-dependent manner (22 +/- 5% decrease after 1 microM PAF) without a concomitant release of free intra- or extracellular 15-HETE. 14C-labeled DGs were present in unstimulated TE monolayers incubated with 15-[14C]HETE, and the major 14C band, identified as sn-1,2-15-[14C]HETE-DG, increased transiently in response to PAF. Western blots of freshly isolated and cultured human TE cells revealed PKC isotypes alpha, betaI, betaII, delta, epsilon, and zeta. In vitro, cell-generated sn-1, 2-15-[14C]HETE-DG selectively activated immunoprecipitated PKC-alpha and inhibited diacylglycerol-induced activation of PKC-alpha, -delta, -betaI, and -betaII. Our observations indicate that 15-HETE-DGs can modulate the activity of PKC isotypes in human TE cells and suggest an intracellular autocrine role for 15-HETE in human airway epithelia.

Ozone inactivates cyclooxygenase in human tracheal epithelial cells without altering PGHS-2 mRNA or protein

Exposure of human tracheal epithelial (TE) cells to ozone (0.1-0.5 ppm) leads to a transient increase followed by decreased production of prostaglandin (PG) E2 concomitant with dose-dependent loss and delayed recovery of cyclooxygenase (CO) activity [S.E. Alpert and R.W. Walenga. Am. J. Physiol. 269 (Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 13): L734-L743, 1995]. Formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured tracheobronchial epithelial cells during ozone exposure was recently demonstrated (L.C. Chen and Q.Qu. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 143: 96-101, 1997). In the present study, we investigated if ROS generated by ozone-exposed human TE cells contribute to PGE2 production and/or CO inactivation and whether the delay in recovery of CO activity after ozone reflects impaired gene transcription and/or protein synthesis. Rapid, dose-dependent ROS generation, assessed by fluorescence of dihydrorhodamine 123, was detected in human TE monolayers exposed to 0.21-0.63 ppm ozone. In a different system, TE cells were exposed to air or 0.5 ppm ozone for 1 h by serial renewal/collection of an adherent film of media. Ozone-induced ROS formation, the transient increase and decline in PGE2, and CO inactivation were attenuated by an intracellular hydroxyl radical scavenger, 1,3-dimethyl-2-thiourea. Ibuprofen, a reversible CO inhibitor, prevented PGE2 release during ozone exposure (and hence autocatalytic CO inactivation) but not loss of CO activity. Although CO activity remained depressed for hours after ozone exposure, compared with air-exposed cultures, no differences were detected in mRNA and protein levels of prostaglandin endoperoxide G/H synthase 2 (PGHS-2), the only CO isoform present in human TE cells, or in the rate of de novo PGHS-2 synthesis. Our findings suggest that ozone-induced PGE2 production and CO inactivation are primarily the result of formation of intracellular oxidant molecules and that delayed recovery of CO activity in human TE cells after short-term ozone exposure is due to persistent inactivation of PGHS-2, rather than to interference with its synthesis.

Constitutive expression of prostaglandin endoperoxide G/H synthetase (PGHS)-2 but not PGHS-1 in hum an tracheal epithelial cells in vitro

Primary cultures of human tracheal epithelial (HTE) cells cultured in vitro, in defined serum-free media, express prostaglandin endoperoxide G/H synthase (PGHS) activity and produce prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In contrast to every other cell type studied to date, HTE cells appear to constitutively express PGHS-2, the 'inducible' form of the enzyme, while expressing little or no PGHS-1, the 'housekeeping' isoenzyme in vitro. Prostaglandin synthesis in HTE cells was reduced by a selective PGHS-2 inhibitor, N-[2-cyclohexyloyl-4-nitrophenyl] methane-sulfonamide (NS398), with an IC50 of approximately 1 microM. Immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation of enzymatic activity with isozyme-specific antisera revealed only the PGHS-2 isoform. Full length human cDNA probes detected only PGHS-2 message in Northern blots. Neither PGHS-2 activity nor mRNA levels were dependent on, nor stimulated by peptide growth factors present in the defined serum-free growth medium, or by serum. Prolonged maintenance in the absence of retinoic acid, however, lead to a decline in PGHS activity. Phorbol-myristate acetate (PMA) induced PGHS-2 activity and mRNA and neither PMA-induced, nor constitutive PGHS-2 expression was suppressed by corticosteroids. Actinomycin D-treatment for six hours reduced the PGHS-2 activity and mRNA to only 50% that of untreated cells, suggesting that PGHS-2 mRNA is extremely stable in these cells. HTE cells, at least in vitro, appear unique among prostaglandin-producing cells in that they express PGHS-2, constitutively, independent of regulation by growth factors, serum, or corticosteroids and fail to express PGHS-1 under any culture condition studied.

Ozone exposure of human tracheal epithelial cells inactivates cyclooxygenase and increases 15-HETE production

We assessed the immediate and prolonged effects of ozone on arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism by primary cultured human tracheal epithelial (TE) cells. TE monolayers were exposed at a gas-fluid interface to air or 0.1, 0.25, or 0.5 ppm ozone (15 min air, then 45 min air/ozone), and serially collected effluents were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and/or high-performance liquid chromatography. Release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and AA, but not 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) or its metabolites, was detected from cultures prelabeled with [14C]AA. PGE2 production, measured by immunoassay, was nearly constant during air exposure. In contrast, PGE2 increased two- to threefold during the first 15-min exposure to all concentrations of ozone, but then progressively declined to 78 +/- 17, 57 +/- 12 (P < or = 0.05), and 45 +/- 15% (P < or = 0.05) of air controls after exposure to 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 ppm ozone. Ozone did not induce a new spectrum of AA metabolites; only PGE2, lesser amounts of PGF2 alpha, and 15-HETE were present in media and cell extracts of air- or ozone-exposed cultures provided with 30 microM exogenous AA. However, cyclooxygenase (CO) activity (PGE2 produced from 30 microM AA) decreased to 82 +/- 9, 53 +/- 8 (P < or = 0.05), and 28 +/- 6% (P < or = 0.05) vs. controls after 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 ppm ozone, whereas 15-HETE production was unimpaired. When cells exposed to 0.5 ppm ozone were maintained for up to 6 h in 5% CO2-air, spontaneous PGE2 production remained decreased and recovery of CO activity was extremely slow. TLC analysis of lipid extracts from [14C]AA-labeled cells revealed a nearly twofold increase in free intracellular 15-HETE, and hydrolysis of phospholipids demonstrated increased esterified 15-HETE. Exposure of human TE cells to ozone leads to a transient increase followed by prolonged decrease in PGE2 production and increased intracellular retention of 15-HETE. Loss of the bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties of epithelial PGE2, with or without increased 15-HETE, might contribute to ozone-induced airway dysfunction.

Leukotriene B4 markedly elevated in the epithelial lining fluid of patients with cystic fibrosis

Persistent neutrophil infiltration into the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) results in lung destruction. Eicosanoid lipid mediators, particularly leukotriene B4 (LTB4), may play a role in neutrophil influx and activation. We compared the eicosanoid content of epithelial lining fluid (ELF) obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from 17 patients with CF and 10 healthy subjects. LTB4 was the predominant eicosanoid in the CF airway (16.7 +/- 9.1 ng/ml ELF in CF versus 0.5 +/- 0.1 ng/ml ELF in healthy subjects). Prostaglandins (PG) and thromboxane (TX) were also elevated in CF (PGE2, 8.5 +/- 2.2; PGF2 alpha, 6.0 +/- 2.0; and TXB2, 14.0 +/- 3.0 ng/ml ELF) compared with healthy subjects (PGE2, 0.4 +/- 0.2; PGF2 alpha, 0.5 +/- 0.2; and TXB2, 1.2 +/- 0.4 ng/ml ELF). We also developed a protocol for the storage and subsequent analysis of BAL fluid that assures accurate and reproducible measurements of these eicosanoids. BAL samples stored for up to 8 months retain greater than 80% of their original eicosanoid content if the BAL fluid is immediately treated with methanol, concentrated, and stored at -70 degrees C without further purification. These data suggest that CF airways contain sufficient amounts of LTB4 both to recruit additional neutrophils into the airways and to stimulate neutrophils to release their injurious products. Therapies aimed at interfering with the production or action of LTB4 may be beneficial in CF and other lung diseases with a significant neutrophil response.

Human tracheal epithelial cells selectively incorporate 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid into phosphatidylinositol

15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) is the major lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid produced by human airway epithelial cells. Because HETEs have been shown to be rapidly metabolized and/or incorporated into cellular lipids in other cell types, we investigated the uptake, metabolism, and intracellular distribution of exogenous 15-HETE by primary monolayer cultures of human tracheal epithelial (HTE) cells. At concentrations of 0.1 microM, [3H]15-HETE was rapidly incorporated by HTE cells and also metabolized primarily by beta-oxidation to several more polar products that were released extracellularly. The majority of cell-associated [3H]15-HETE radiolabel was distributed into phospholipids, with phosphatidylinositol (PI) accounting for approximately 75% of phospholipid radiolabel. Exogenous 5- and 12-HETE were also metabolized by HTE cells but were less extensively incorporated into phospholipids and were distributed primarily into phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Phospholipase A2 hydrolysis indicated selective esterification of unmodified 15-HETE to the sn-2 position of phospholipids. 15-HETE incorporation into total phospholipids and into PI was saturable (half maximal incorporation at 0.82 and 0.68 microM, respectively), while incorporation into neutral lipids continued to increase at concentrations of 15-HETE up to 5 microM. The incorporation of 15-HETE into PI was metabolically stable, with an intracellular half-life of 12 h, and was not subject to mobilization in response to 5 microM calcium ionophore A23187. HTE cells can incorporate and metabolize HETEs that the cells themselves produce as well as those that might be released by inflammatory cells recruited into the airway.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prostaglandin E2 attenuates hyperoxia-induced injury in cultured rabbit tracheal epithelial cells

We assessed the kinetics of hyperoxia-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by cultured rabbit tracheal epithelial (TE) cells with different inherent capacities to generate PGE2 and the role of endogenous PGE2 production in protecting these cells from hyperoxic injury. Rabbit TE cells grown to confluence with or without lipid supplements [0.1% Excyte III (Miles-Pentex) and 1 microM arachidonic acid] were exposed for 2 h to control (5% CO2/air) or hyperoxic (5% CO2/90% O2) atmospheres at a gas-fluid interface. Serial cell culture effluents collected during exposure were analyzed for PGE2 by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Basal PGE2 production by lipid-supplemented cells was approximately 3-fold greater than that by unsupplemented cultures (p less than 0.01). In lipid-supplemented cells, PGE2 production doubled after 15 min of hyperoxic exposure (p less than 0.05) and then declined to approximately 50% of initial levels, whereas exposure to 5% CO2/air did not significantly change PGE2 production. In unsupplemented cells, neither control nor hyperoxic exposure altered PGE2 production. Hyperoxia-exposed TE cells had decreased ability to convert 10 microM exogenous arachidonic acid to PGE2, suggesting hyperoxia-induced inhibition of the enzymes involved in PGE2 synthesis. Lipid-supplemented cells were less susceptible to hyperoxic injury than unsupplemented monolayers, as evidenced by increased viability (trypan blue exclusion) and decreased generation of lipid peroxides (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Addition of exogenous PGE2 to unsupplemented cultures at concentrations that were produced by lipid-supplemented cells (2 ng/mL every 15 min) during hyperoxic exposure eliminated these differences in hyperoxia-induced lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tracheal epithelial cell fatty acid composition modulates prostaglandin E2 and cAMP production

Tracheal epithelial (TE) cells from both rabbits and humans, when cultured in defined serum-free media without lipid supplements, develop fatty acid profiles significantly different from freshly isolated epithelium, including a markedly decreased cellular content of arachidonic acid (AA). In rabbit TE cells, supplementation of media with a phospholipid-rich lipoprotein extract (Excyte III) plus 1 microM bovine serum albumin-complexed AA (Excyte/AA) restored the fatty acid composition of the cultured cells more similar to that of native airway epithelium than did supplementation of media with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS). In human TE cells, Excyte/AA or 5% FBS increased AA content, but neither lipid supplement completely "normalized" the fatty acid profiles. Compared with lipid-unsupplemented cultures, basal production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was increased by approximately four- to eightfold in rabbit and human TE cells supplemented with 5% FBS or Excyte/AA. In Excyte/AA-supplemented human TE cells, PGE2 production induced by 5 microM calcium ionophore A23187 was more than threefold greater than that of companion ionophore-stimulated unsupplemented monolayers, but PGE2 production was similar in both culture conditions in response to 10 microM exogenous AA. Thus increased cellular content and availability of AA, rather than changes in cyclooxygenase activity, appear to be responsible for the elevated PGE2 production in Excyte/AA-supplemented human TE cells. Secondary effects of lipid supplementation were also observed; Excyte/AA-supplemented human TE cells produced significantly less adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in response to exogenous PGE2 and isoproterenol than did lipid-unsupplemented cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification of prostaglandins and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids in kitten retina: comparison with other species

Conversion of arachidonic acid to eicosanoids by kitten retinae was investigated to evaluate whether the pattern of kitten retinal eicosanoids simulates that found in the human and other animal species. Freshly isolated kitten retinae were incubated with 20 microM radiolabeled arachidonic acid, and the metabolites were analysed by reverse phase-high pressure liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Kitten retinal tissues converted arachidonic acid into prostaglandins (PGs), thromboxane (Tx) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). The major eicosanoid identified was 6kPGF1 alpha--the stable non-enzymatic hydrolysis product of prostacyclin. Other eicosanoids identified included TxB2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 12-hydroxy-heptadecatrienoic acid, 12-HETE, and 15-HETE. The spectrum of kitten retinal cyclooxygenase metabolites is similar to those obtained from bovine retina and human retinal vascular endothelium with prostacyclin being the major cyclooxygenase metabolite produced.

A prostacyclin analogue crosses the in vitro perfused human placenta and improves transfer in some pathologic states

Placental blood flow is reduced in pregnancies complicated by hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation, maternal smoking, or diabetes. Umbilical-placental production of the potent vasodilator prostacyclin is also reduced in these pathologic states and this deficiency may contribute to an associated increase in the incidence of low infant birthweight by affecting a reduction in placental nutrient transfer. We have studied the effects of the prostacyclin analogue carbacyclin on diffusional transfer in the human placenta perfused in vitro. We have found that carbacyclin crosses the human placenta and can significantly increase diffusional transfer in placenta from pregnancies complicated by hypertension or maternal smoking and in the normal term placenta in which prostacyclin production has first been reduced through the administration of ibuprofen. Carbacyclin had no effect, however, in untreated placenta from normal pregnancies or in placenta from diabetic pregnancies. These results suggest that the prostacyclin-deficient perfused placenta may serve as a model for several placental insufficiency syndromes and that the possibility that prostacyclin analogues may improve deficient nutrient transfer in some pathologic pregnancies warrants further investigation.

Functional consequences of abnormal fatty acid profiles in cultured airway epithelial cells

Maintenance of serum-free conditions for the culture of TE or other airway epithelial cells provides a defined environment in which to explore the regulation of cellular functions. Yet TE cells appear to be dependent on the medium for essential, if not all, polyunsaturated fatty acids. At present, some laboratories routinely use serum to support the growth of airway epithelial cells, presumably in part through recognition that cells of mammalian origin require an exogenous source of lipids. While 5% FBS can increase the linoleic and arachidonic acid content of cultured rabbit and human TE cells, it does not fully restore the fatty acid composition of cultured TE cells to that of freshly isolated cells, particularly in the case of human TE cells. Equally good, if not better, repair of membrane fatty acid composition can be achieved by addition of a defined, commercial non-serum source of lipids (Excyte III) plus exogenous arachidonic acid. Cultured TE cells maintained in serum-free medium have been shown to be deficient in prostaglandin and HETE production, both at baseline and in response to physiological stimuli compared to TE cells with greater endogenous content of arachidonic acid. Differences between lipid supplemented and unsupplemented cultured TE cells in cAMP response to PGE2 and in susceptibility to hyperoxic injury have been observed. Other cellular functions regulated by the fatty acid composition of membrane lipids may also be impaired in lipid unsupplemented cells. It is evident that the maintenance of as normal as possible membrane fatty acid content is essential to the use of cultured TE cells as experimental models of airway epithelium.

15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid stimulates migration of human retinal microvessel endothelium in vitro and neovascularization in vivo

We evaluated 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), a major arachidonic acid product of vascular endothelium and leukocytes, for its effect on neovascularization. In a modified Boyden chamber assay, 15-HETE (10-7 M) stimulated human retinal microvessel endothelial cell migration by 42 +/- 10% (mean +/- S.E.M., p less than 0.01). 12-HETE, a major arachidonic acid metabolite of platelets, had no such effect. Further studies in the rabbit corneal pocket assay revealed that 15-HETE stimulated neovascularization in vivo. Concentrations at which the in vivo effects were observed are within the range generated by several cell types and are achievable in human serum. 15-HETE stimulation of human endothelial cell migration in vitro and neovascularization in vivo suggests that it may play a role in vasoproliferative disorders.

Effects of changes in oxygen tension on lipoxygenase metabolites. Serum 15-HETE is increased in kittens exposed to hyperoxia

The chronic phase of O2-induced retinopathy is characterized by retinal neovascularization. We have previously demonstrated that 15-hydroxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), a product of white cells, is proangiogenic. In this study, kittens exposed to in vivo hyperoxia produced increased amounts of 15-HETE. Nine litters of 30 kittens (aged 6-8 days) were used. Control kittens were left in room air; hyperoxic kittens were placed in 80% oxygen for 48 h; recovery kittens were returned to room air for 24 h following hyperoxic exposure. Following treatments, the animals were sacrified, and blood was evaluated for 15-HETE. Stimulated serum 15-HETE levels were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography and GC-selected ion monitoring. While controls produced 0.48 +/- 0.16 (SE) nmol/ml of 15-HETE, values in the hyperoxic and recovery animals were increased at 0.7 +/0 0.2 and 0.68 +/- 0.15 nmol/ml (p less than 0.05 and p = 0.05, respectively). Increased production of this proangiogenic metabolite by WBCs (which can migrate out of blood vessels to set up extravascular angiogenic foci) may play a role in the genesis of the neovascularization process that occurs in response to oxygen-induced injury.

Trans-placental transport and metabolism of carbacyclin by perfused human placental in vitro

When carbacyclin (5E-6a-carba-prostaglandin I2) was added to the maternal afferent circulation of in vitro perfused placentae from normal term pregnancies, relatively little carbacyclin was found in either the maternal or fetal efferent circulations. When carbacyclin was added to the perfusate at 1.0 microM, the peak level in the maternal effluent was only 0.06 microM and in the fetal effluent, 0.026 microM. When infused at 10 microM, 0.77 microM carbacyclin was measured in the maternal effluent and 0.13 in the fetal effluent. These findings demonstrate that carbacyclin is transferred across the placenta from the maternal side to the fetal, but that the net transfer is small. The assay procedure employed HPLC resolution, followed by capillary gas chromatography and selected ion monitoring using PGB as an internal standard. The low levels of carbacyclin detected in the effluents did not result from poor recovery in the analyses. When carbacyclin was added to maternal or fetal effluents at 1 microM, the recovery averaged 85.4 +/- 14.1% (SD); at 10 microM recovery averaged 97.3 +/- 4.2%. Much of the loss of carbacyclin on passage through placental circulation resulted from metabolism. Extracts of both fetal and maternal effluents from placenta perfused with carbacyclin contained a component which on reverse phase HPLC appeared less polar than carbacyclin. When analyzed by GC/MS as the methyl ester-trimethylsilyl ether, this component had a mass spectrum expected for 15-dehydro-carbacyclin. When the presumed metabolite was further converted to the methoxime, the mass spectrum was identical to published spectra for that derivative of 15-dehydro-carbacyclin. When extracts of fetal effluents were analyzed for 15-dehydro-carbacyclin metabolite as well as carbacyclin, it appeared that the metabolite accounted for the majority of the carbacyclin recovered. Most of the metabolite was apparently not formed in the fetal circulation, since when carbacyclin was added to the fetal afferent circulation, little 15-dehydro-carbacyclin was observed in either efferent fluid, and most of the perfused carbacyclin was recovered unaltered in the fetal effluent.

Formation of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) in blood from adults versus neonates: reduced production of 12-HETE in cord blood

Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) are major arachidonic acid metabolites of a number of cells found in blood and blood vessels. These products have been implicated in physiologic responses as diverse as platelet aggregation, cell migration, and cell proliferation. Using a sensitive and specific assay, GC/selected ion monitoring after high-performance liquid chromatography separation, we have measured the levels of three HETE isomers of biologic significance 12-HETE, 15-HETE, and 5-HETE in plasma, serum and stimulated serum (formed in the presence of arachidonic acid and calcium ionophore), obtained from normal adults and cord blood from normal neonates. Whereas there were no significant differences between the two groups for 5- or 15-HETE in any of the samples, stimulated serum from adults produced 12 times as much 12-HETE when compared to cord blood. When platelets were isolated from adult and cord blood, 12-HETE production by neonatal platelets, stimulated with 10 microM arachidonic acid, was less than one-fourth that of adults. Although no role for 12-HETE in normal platelet responses has yet been established, it has been reported that those individuals with myeloproliferative syndromes who demonstrate a concomitant decrease in platelet 12-HETE synthetic ability have an increased bleeding tendency. It needs to be further evaluated if this already depressed level of 12-lipoxygenase in neonatal platelets may contribute to pathologic bleeding in those infants subjected to additional stress (such as prematurity or birth asphyxia).

Tegument galactosylceramides of the cestode Spirometra mansonoides

The brush border-like surface of the tegument of the adult and the plerocercoid larva of a pseudophyllidean cestode, Spirometra mansonoides, has been shown to contain hydroxylated galactosylceramides. D-Galactosyl-N-(2-D-hydroxyoctadecanoyl)-D-phytosphingosine, D-galactosyl-N-(2-D-hydroxyoctadecanoyl)-D-dihydrosphingosine and D-galactosyl-N-(octadecanoyl)-D-phytosphingosine were identified as major glycosphingolipids in a tegumental plasma membrane fraction with associated microtriches, by combinations of chromatography (column, high performance thin-layer, gas-liquid), mass spectrometry (electron impact, field desorption, fast atom bombardment, collisionally induced decomposition) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Galactosylceramides with hydroxylated long chain bases and fatty acids are known to occur in some eukaryotic microbes and in cells of vertebrate tissues exposed to plasma membrane destabilizing environments. This has led to a proposal that the capacity of hydroxylated ceramide moieties for intermolecular hydrogen bonding among themselves and with phosphoglycerides acts to stabilize the plasma membrane. Saturated fatty acyl groups in the ceramides would enhance stabilization by their orderly packing in the lipid bilayer. Consequently, the presence of such hydroxylated galactosylceramides in the tegument surface of S. mansonoides may contribute to the maintenance of its normal barrier properties in the face of the varied environmental insults encountered by the cestode in its life-cycle.

Analysis of blood HETE levels by selected ion monitoring with ricinoleic acid as the internal standard

Selected ion monitoring of mass fragments of peaks from capillary gas chromatograms permits a sensitive and selective analysis of positional isomers of hydroxy-eicosanoids (as their methyl ester, trimethylsilyl ether derivatives). Because deuterated analogs of these HETEs are not readily available, stable isotope dilution cannot be easily performed. We have developed a method for the quantitation of HETEs using ricinoleic acid (12-hydroxy-oleic acid) as an internal standard. Ricinoleic acid is monitored at m/z 187, while 5-, 12-, and 15-HETEs (those commonly found in biological systems) are monitored at m/z 255, 295 and 225 respectively. The procedure has proven linear for levels from 0.03 to greater than 3.0 nmol HETE per nmol standard. There is however significant "crossover" among the HETEs, requiring preliminary resolution of the various isomers by reverse phase HPLC in samples containing more than one HETE. Recovery of authentic standards added to various blood samples through the extraction, resolution and analyses averaged over 90%. Using this procedure, mean plasma concentrations were found to be less than 0.1 microM for all HETEs tested, while serum levels were approximately 0.3, 0.8 and 0.1 microM for 5-, 12-, and 15-HETE respectively. Serum formed in the presence of 2mM arachidonic acid plus 25 microM A23187, to maximize HETE production, contained an average of 4, 22 and 1 microM 5-, 12- and 15-HETE respectively. Thus while normal human plasma contains sufficient quantities of the various HETEs to produce some of the biological effects attributed to these metabolites, there is potential for an even greater production when sufficient substrate is available.

Decreased plasma arachidonic acid binding capacity in neonates

Arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites have been implicated in neonatal pathologic states such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Since free (nonprotein bound) AA is the substrate for synthesis of these compounds, a decreased capacity to bind AA in neonatal plasma could contribute to these disorders. AA binding was assayed by equilibrium dialysis in plasma samples from healthy adults and various infant groups. Plasma from these infant groups bound significantly less AA than adult plasma. Premature infants with RDS and premature infants receiving intralipid had the lowest capacity to bind AA. The increased availability of free AA may be important in neonatal pathophysiologic states involving arachidonate metabolites.

Time-dependent inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase by indomethacin is slowly reversible

Indomethacin has been characterized in vitro as a time-dependent, irreversible inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase, yet its effects on human platelets have been found to be reversible in vivo. To understand this apparent contradiction, we have investigated the kinetics of recovery of platelet thromboxane production after a single dose of indomethacin. The inhibition of platelet thromboxane production was greater than would be expected from the levels of indomethacin found in the plasma suggesting that the time-dependent inhibition occurs in vivo. Yet recovery of platelet thromboxane production was faster than expected for an irreversible inhibitor, with 50% of control values being regained within 24 hours after ingestion of the drug. When platelets were isolated and resuspended in homologous drug-free plasma, slow recovery of thromboxane production was seen to occur with 50% of control activity regained in 100 minutes. This recovery was much slower than that seen from a competitive inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase, ibuprofen. Ibuprofen-treated platelets recovered nearly completely immediately on being resuspended in drug-free plasma. When microsomes were isolated from platelets, then treated with indomethacin, no time-dependent recovery of activity was seen. The recovery of cyclo-oxygenase after indomethacin inhibition appears to be limited to the unperturbed enzyme in its natural milieu.

Bleeding time in hemophilia A: potential mechanisms for prolongation

Prolongation of bleeding time has been previously observed in hemophilia, although no cause has been elucidated. We measured bleeding time, platelet aggregation, nucleotide release, and thromboxane B2 (TXB2), plasma 6-keto-PGF 1 alpha, platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG), and circulating immune complexes in 31 unselected patients with severe hemophilia A and in 17 controls. In 85% of patients with hemophilia A, the bleeding time was greater than 2 SD above the control level (greater than 8 minutes). Sixty-six percent of patients with hemophilia A had circulating immune complexes, and there was a striking relationship between the presence of these complexes and prolonged bleeding time. Plasma 6-keto-PGF 1 alpha levels were significantly elevated in the patient group, and correlated with bleeding time changes. Platelet aggregation and nucleotide release were normal in the patients with hemophilia, although reduced platelet TXB2 biosynthesis was noted in 26%. No correlation was demonstrated between bleeding time and impairment of platelet TXB2 formation. Seventy-two percent of the patients with hemophilia A had elevated levels of PAIgG, and an inverse relationship between PAIgG and platelet count was observed. No relationship was noted between platelet count and bleeding time. This study indicates that the majority of patients with hemophilia A have prolonged bleeding times. The close correlation between bleeding time, plasma 6-keto-PGF 1 alpha levels, and the presence of circulating immune complexes suggests a role for immune complex-mediated defects in vascular function as the basis for bleeding time prolongation.

Re-examination of the assay for plasma prostanoids by solid-phase extraction, and radioimmunoassay

A method for the routine assay of plasma thromboxane and prostacyclin metabolites, thromboxane B2 and 6 keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (employing solid phase extraction to remove the metabolites from interfering substances) and using commercially available antisera for their radioimmunoassay has been investigated. Modifications of previously published procedures have been explored, including the use of non-explosive solvents in the extraction procedure, and inclusion of a non-cross reacting internal standard, prostaglandin D2, to estimate recovery through the extraction procedures. Both the original and modified procedures can produce high blank values, which apparently result from the solid-phase extraction. These high backgrounds are constant for a given lot of solid phase extraction cartridges and can be corrected by subtraction. The modified method is linear with volume of plasma assayed to as little as one ml, and all cross-reacting material in normal human plasma was found to co-chromatograph with authentic standards on reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Values for normal adult plasmas were found to be 0.44 +/- .15 pmol/ml 6 keto PGF1 alpha (mean +/- SD) and .103 +/- .07 for thromboxane B2. The method reported provides a convenient, reproducible way to assay these important plasma prostanoids.

Abnormalities in vascular arachidonic acid metabolism in the infant of the diabetic mother

The infant of the diabetic mother has an increased incidence of thromboses in utero and in the neonatal period. In the adult with diabetes a decrease in prostacyclin formation has been suggested as a cause for the atherothrombotic tendency. We therefore evaluated arachidonic acid metabolism in infants of diabetic mothers. Endogenous radioimmunoassayable 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha (PGF1 alpha) was normal in umbilical vessels obtained from the infants of diabetic mothers whose glucose homoeostasis was maintained when compared with control values. Nevertheless, a significant inhibition of vascular production of 6-keto PGF1 alpha was observed in infants born to mothers with raised HbA1C concentrations. A decrease in the concentration of plasma 6-keto PGF1 alpha was also seen in the infants of diabetic mothers when compared with control neonates. The correlation observed between plasma 6-keto PGF1 alpha concentrations and endogenous vascular prostacyclin formation in the infants of diabetic mothers indicates that the in vitro deficiency of prostacyclin formation reflects a concomitant in vivo abnormality.

Formation of 11-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in human umbilical arteries is catalyzed by cyclooxygenase

Human umbilical arteries convert arachidonic acid into three hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids as well as 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, prostaglandins E2, F2 alpha and D2 and thromboxane B2. Two of these hydroxy derivatives of arachidonic acid were purified by reverse-phase HPLC and identified by GC-MS as 11-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (11-HETE) and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) while a third, presumed dihydroxy derivative has not yet been identified. Both the cyclooxygenase and HETE synthesizing activities were found to be localized mainly in the microsomal fraction (100 000 X g pellet) (51 and 61% of total, respectively), and approx. 25% of both activities was found in the 10 000 X g pellet. The formation of these HETEs was inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin and aspirin but not by the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid. Production of immunoreactive 15-HETE as well as 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha were also decreased significantly when arterial segments were incubated in the presence of either indomethacin or aspirin. Indomethacin inhibited the formation of both prostanoids and HETEs by microsomes in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. The ID50 values for indomethacin against HETE synthesizing activity and against cyclooxygenase were 4.5 and 3.8 microM, respectively. The inactivation constants were found to be 0.09 and 0.08 min-1 for HETE synthesizing activity and cyclooxygenase, respectively. These two microsomal activities were solubilized in parallel with Tween-20. Incubation with three distinct monoclonal antibodies against different epitopes on cyclooxygenase precipitated both cyclooxygenase and HETE synthesizing activity. Each of these activities was recovered in the immune pellets. These studies demonstrate that in human umbilical arteries 11-HETE, 15-HETE and a presumed di-HETE are the products of cyclooxygenase.

Megakaryocyte thromboxane production induced by platelet stimuli during in vitro culture

Megakaryocytes isolated from guinea pigs produced thromboxane (assayed by radioimmunoassay as thromboxane B2) in response to the platelet aggregatory stimuli arachidonic acid, thrombin, and the calcium ionophore A23187. The relative responses to these stimuli were similar in megakaryocytes and platelets from the same animals. When the megakaryocytes were maintained in short-term in vitro culture, all three stimuli still elicited thromboxane production. Following overnight in vitro culture, thromboxane production in response to thrombin decreased, overall, to under 60% of control values, increased approximately threefold in response to A23187, but did not show any alteration in response to arachidonic acid. Requirements for calcium were virtually unchanged. These results demonstrate that megakaryocytes contain all of the pathways needed for arachidonic acid mobilization from phospholipids in response to thrombin or A23187 and conversion of that arachidonate to thromboxane. These pathways are retained by the cells in short-term in vitro culture.

Stimulation of calcium uptake in rat calvaria by prostacyclin

Treatment of newborn rat calvaria discs with a variety of unsaturated fatty acids led to a 50% enhancement of calcium uptake. Arachidonic acid was effective at lower concentrations than cis-vaccenic or oleic acid, while trans-vaccenic acid and saturated fatty acids did not enhance calcium uptake. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid abolished the enhancement of calcium uptake seen in response to cis-vaccenic acid and inhibited calcium uptake by otherwise untreated bones. Prostacyclin was found to produce up to 2 fold stimulation of calcium uptake with an EC50 of approximately 0.1 microM. No statistically significant stimulation of calcium uptake was seen in response to PGE2 or PGE1 alpha up to 25 microM, while slight stimulation was produced by 6-keto PGE1 alpha but only at concentrations of 10 microM. Prostacyclin production by calvaria was demonstrated and was stimulated over 50% by cis-vaccenic acid. These results suggest that not only is enhanced prostacyclin production responsible for elevation of calcium uptake in response to unsaturated fatty acids, but also that prostacyclin may be an important regulator of bone calcium homeostasis.

Inhibition of human malignant neuroblastoma cell DNA synthesis by lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid

In vivo studies have shown that inhibitors of cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid may diminish growth and metastasis of certain tumors. Because cyclooxygenase inhibition may increase the production of lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism, we have investigated the effect of two such products, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) on tumor cell proliferation in vitro. When neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH) in culture were treated with 12-HETE for 18 hr, incorporation of [3H]thymidine was inhibited up to 64% at concentrations from 20 to 50 microM. Under the same conditions, 15-HETE resulted in inhibition of up to 46%, while arachidonic acid had no apparent effect. When evaluated in the presence of serum, 12-HETE at a concentration of 120 microM produced a 20.6 +/- 2.8% (S.E.) inhibition of the increase in total DNA content over 48 hr, while 15-HETE at this concentration produced a 16.5 +/- 5.3% inhibition. We conclude that 12-HETE, the product of platelet lipoxygenase, and 15-HETE, a product of neutrophil and lymphocyte lipoxygenases, can inhibit human neuroblastoma cell growth in vitro and may play a role in the effect of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on tumor growth in vivo.

Kinetic analyses of the effects of hyperoxia and hypoxia on vascular cyclooxygenase activity in vitro

Kinetic analyses were performed to understand the mechanism of hyperoxic induced inhibition of prostacyclin synthesis by human umbilical arteries. Brief exposure of arterial segments to oxygen resulted in over 30% decrease in Vmax of cyclooxygenase in treated vessels. In contrast, cyclooxygenase from hypoxic arterial segments showed approximately a 49% increase in Vmax. There were no significant differences in apparent Km values. These studies suggest that the decreased production of prostacyclin by hyperoxic tissue is due to cyclooxygenase inactivation.

Effects of hyperoxia and hypoxia on vascular prostacyclin formation in vitro

Exposure to high oxygen (O2) concentrations, especially in the neonate, is associated with the development of pathologic syndromes characterized by vascular involvement including the retinopathy of prematurity. Some of the initial vascular changes observed appear consistent with a reduction in prostacyclin formation. Exposure of human umbilical arteries to oxygen resulted in more than 30% inhibition in the ability of the vessels to produce prostacyclin either from endogenous stores of arachidonic acid or from exogenously provided substrate. In contrast, hypoxia (which more closely approximates the fetal environment) resulted in more than 30% stimulation in the production of prostacyclin from either endogenous or exogenous arachidonic acid. When microsomes were prepared from treated arterial segments, these effects persisted. In vitro results suggest that neonates exposed to O2 after delivery may experience a marked decrease in vascular prostacyclin formation. Inhibition of the production of this potent vasodilator and antithrombotic metabolite could play an important role in the acute exudative phase of O2 toxicity.

Differences in thromboxane production between neonatal and adult platelets in response to arachidonic acid and epinephrine

In this study, we have investigated the possible role of the pro-aggregatory arachidonic acid (AA) metabolite thromboxane, in the impaired function of neonatal platelets. In platelet-rich plasma thromboxane production (measured by radioimmunoassay of thromboxane B2) was not different between neonates and adults when stimulated by thrombin (at 0.1 or 1.0 U/ml) or collagen (70 micrograms/ml) although neonatal platelets produced decreased thromboxane (TBX2) postepinephrine stimulation. In response to 1 U/ml thrombin, adult and neonatal platelet-rich plasmas produced mean values of 3.41 +/- 0.35 (SEM) and 3.11 +/- 0.49 pmol of TXB2/10(6) platelets, respectively. Production of TXB2 in response to 0.1 U/ml thrombin was not dissimilar between neonates (1.01 +/- 0.46 pmol) and adults (1.04 +/- 0.38 pmol). When collagen was used as the aggregating agent, TXB2 production was also not significantly different with values of 2.44 +/- 0.48 and 1.90 +/- 0.46 pmol/10(6) platelets produced by adult and neonatal platelet-rich plasma, respectively. In response to 200 microM epinephrine, adult platelets produced 1.03 +/- 0.39 pmol TXB2/10(6) platelets while neonatal platelet TXB2 production was significantly decreased (0.15 +/- 0.04; P less than 0.05). Thromboxane production in response to AA, however, was markedly elevated in neonatal platelet-rich plasma. When 200 and 400 microM concentrations of AA were used as the aggregating stimuli, neonatal platelet rich plasma produced 3.17 +/- 0.77 and 8.0 +/- 1.47 pmol TXB2/10(6) platelets, respectively. These values were significantly elevated P less than 0.02 and less than 0.005) when compared to mean values of 0.41 +/- 0.10 and 3.32 +/- 0.15 pmol in adult platelet-rich plasma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Recovery of megakaryocyte thromboxane production in vitro after aspirin inhibition

Megakaryocytes isolated in high purity from guinea pigs produced thromboxane B2 in response to exogenously provided arachidonic acid. This production was inhibited by in vitro treatment with acetylsalicylic acid with a concentration response relationship similar to that seen in platelets. During in vitro culture, the aspirin-treated megakaryocytes recovered thromboxane synthetic ability. Following a lag of 12 hours, recovery of megakaryocyte thromboxane production resumed at a rate of 16% of control per day. This recovery was inhibited by the addition of cycloheximide to the culture medium.

Effects of D-valine on pulmonary artery endothelial cell morphology and function in cell culture

The effects of D-valine on the cell culture of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells were studied using D-valine-modified Minimal Essential Medium (MEM). D-Valine-treated cultures (46-920 mg/l) were compared with replicate cells grown in L-valine (46 mg/l)-MEM. All media were supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Endothelial cells were grown for 14 passages with split ratios varying from 1:3 to 1:6. Unlike cells grown in L-valine MEM, cells grown in D-valine MEM did not become contaminated by the growth fibroblasts in primary cultures. D-Valine-treated cells were found to grow in cobblestone array, exhibit contact inhibition and strongly express factor-VIII antigen (F-VIII). D-Valine-grown cells produced PGI2 in greater proportion to PGE2, both constitutively and when stimulated by bradykinin, on comparison with cells grown in L-valine. In addition, cells grown in L-valine, although able to express factor VIII, were not comparable to D-valine cells with respect to other parameters assayed (morphology and growth as a monolayer).

Biosynthesis of lipid A. In vivo formation of an intermediate containing 3-deoxy-D-mannoctulosonate in a mutant of Salmonella typhimurium

The incomplete lipid A precursor produced by a mutant conditionally defective in synthesis of 3-deoxy-D-mannoctulosonate (KDO) is rapidly converted to lipopolysaccharide when the mutant culture is shifted from nonpermissive to permissive conditions (Osborn, M.J., Rick, P.D., and Rasmussen, N.S. (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 4246-4251). An intermediate product which accumulates transiently during this conversion has been isolated and identified as a derivative of the lipid A precursor containing 2 residues of KDO. The intermediate lacks the saturated O-fatty acyl chains of the completed lipid A and is indistinguishable in composition and chromatographic properties from the previously described product obtained by enzymatic addition of KDO to isolated lipid A precursor (Munson, R.S., Jr., Rasmussen, N.S., and Osborn, M.J. (1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253, 1503-1511). The intermediate produced in vivo is rapidly converted to lipopolysaccharide under conditions in which its continued formation is interrupted by return of the culture to nonpermissive temperature. The results provide direct evidence that transfer of KDO to lipid A precedes addition of the saturated fatty acid residues.

Biosynthesis of lipid A. Formation of acyl-deficient lipopolysaccharides in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli

The effect of cerulenin on conversion of an acyl-deficient precursor of lipid A to lipopolysaccharide was investigated in a mutant of Salmonella typhimurium (PRX22H9) conditionally defective in synthesis of 3-deoxy-D-mannooctulosonate (KDO). The precursor lacks both KDO and the saturated O-fatty acyl chains of lipopolysaccharide and contains beta-hydroxymyristate as sole fatty acid. Concentrations of cerulenin which inhibited de novo synthesis of fatty acids and lipopolysaccharide more than 95% had no effect on the rate or extent of conversion of preformed lipid A precursor to a lipopolysaccharide product. The product was identified as a polymer containing the Rc type core polysaccharide of PRX22H9 linked to the acyl-deficient lipid A unit of the precursor. The acyl-deficient lipopolysaccharide was translocated to the outer membrane at a normal rate. Lipopolysaccharide deficient in saturated fatty acids was also produced by a fabD mutant of Escherichia coli under conditions of limited endogenous fatty acid synthesis. The results indicate that prior incorporation of the saturated O-acyl chains of lipid A is not necessary for extension of the core polysaccharide chain and that synthesis of underacylated lipopolysaccharides occurs under conditions of restricted fatty acid synthesis which permit formation of the beta-hydroxymyristate-containing lipid A precursor.

Requirements for unsaturated fatty acids for the induction on respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Unsaturated fatty acids provided during the release from glucose repression were shown to be essential for derepression of respiration in an unsaturated fatty acid auxotroph of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (KD115). Cells derepressed in the presence of oleic acid contained three to six times as much cytochrome per cell as those derepressed in the absence of unsaturated fatty acid or those derepressed with eicosaenoic acid. The delta9 isomer was the most efficient of the cis-octadecenoic acid isomers in supporting that increase, and eicosaenoic acid supported an increase at only 15% the rate observed with oleic acid. Derepression, even in the presence of oleic acid, proceeded only after a lag of 3 hours. When glucose was removed prior to the addition of oleate, the lag was reduced by the time of the preincubation with glycerol. This result suggests that some processes necessary for increased respiration can proceed in the absence of an added unsaturated fatty acid, but these processes apparently require certain levels of unsaturated acids in the pre-existing lipids, since they occurred in cells whose membranes contained 50 mol % oleate, but not in cells containing only 20 mol %. These processes leading to eventual increased respiration were inhibited by cycloheximide but not chloramphenicol, suggesting that protein synthesis on cytoplasmic ribosomes but not mitochondrial ribosomes were required. Derepression in the absence of oleate for 3 hours lessened the inhibition or respiration induction by ethidium bromide. This result indicates that the transcription of mitochondrial DNA necessary for the induction of respiration may have occurred in the absence of added unsaturated fatty acid, but that some subsequent event required added esterified unsaturated fatty acid.

Effectiveness of various unsaturated fatty acids in supporting growth and respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The saturated fatty acid auxotroph of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, KD115, was used to determine the efficiency of various unsaturated fatty acids in supporting growth. The efficiency, as the number of cells produced per fmol of unsaturated fatty acid, ranged from zero for a number of acids to over 26 cells per fmol of eicosapentaenoic acid. Efficiencies tended to be higher for acids with fewer carbons or more double bonds. In a series of positional isomers of cis-octadecenoic acid, the delta9 isomer had the greatest efficiency (12 cells per fmol). Exogenous oleic acid was taken up and incorporated into cellular lipid early in the growth of the cells. Further growth proceeded with a decrease in the relative content of oleate in lipids until a minimum value of 9 mol % was reached at stationary phase. The initial concentration of supplemental acid did not affect the final mole % value. Other unsaturated fatty acids reached limiting values of mole % in phospholipid at stationary phase that were characteristic for the acid used. When cells were grown with glycerol as the carbon source, the efficiencies of most acids in supporting growth were one-third to one-fifth the value with glucose and the final mole % of supplement acid in phospholipid at stationary phase was two to five times greater. Apparently, mitochondrial energy transduction necessary for glycerol utilization requires higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids in membrane lipids than do extramitochondrial functions. The respiratory rate of mitochondria was not decreased at lower levels of oleic or palmitoleic acid in lipids, although respiratory control was lower when the mole % of unsaturated fatty acid was lower. Mitochondria from cells supplemented with eicosaenoic acid were found to have both low respiration and respiratory control. The decreased respiration of these mitochondria coincided with a decreased cytochrome content, not a decrease in respiration per mol of cytochrome.