Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential nutrients that show distinct deficiency syndromes when not present in adequate amounts in the diet.1,2 Virtually all cellular arachidonic acid is esterified in membrane phospholipids where its presence is tightly regulated through multiple interconnected pathways.3 Free arachidonic acid is a transient, critical substrate for the biosynthesis of eicosanoid second messengers. Receptor-stimulated release, metabolism, and re-uptake of free arachidonate are all important aspects of cell signalling and inflammation.4
1
Simopoulos, A.P. Omega-3 Fatty acids in health and disease and in growth and development. Am J Clin Nutr54438-463(1991).
2
Holman, R.T. Control of polyunsaturated acids in tissue lipids. J Am Coll Cardiol5183-211(1986).
3
Nixon, A.B., Greene, D.G., and Wykle, R.L. Comparison of acceptor and donor substrates in the CoA-independent transacylase reaction in human neutrophils. Biochim Biophys Acta1300187-196(1996).
4
Burgoyne, R.D., and Morgan, A. The control of free arachidonic acid levels. Trends Biochem Sci15365-366(1990).
Synonyms
Sodium Arachidonate
Formal Name
5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid, monosodium salt
CAS Number
6610-25-9
Molecular Formula
C20H31O2 · Na
Formula Weight
326.5
Formulation
A crystalline solid
Purity
>98%
Stability
1 year
Storage
-20°C
Shipping
Wet ice
in continental US; may vary elsewhere
SMILES
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CCCCC/C=C\C/C=C\C/C=C\C/C=C\CCCC(=O)O
Background Reading
Simopoulos, A.P. Omega-3 Fatty acids in health and disease and in growth and development. Am J Clin Nutr54438-463(1991).
Holman, R.T. Control of polyunsaturated acids in tissue lipids. J Am Coll Cardiol5183-211(1986).
Nixon, A.B., Greene, D.G., and Wykle, R.L. Comparison of acceptor and donor substrates in the CoA-independent transacylase reaction in human neutrophils. Biochim Biophys Acta1300187-196(1996).
Burgoyne, R.D., and Morgan, A. The control of free arachidonic acid levels. Trends Biochem Sci15365-366(1990).