Acetate-1-14C incorporation into polyunsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids of developing chick brain

• Published in: Journal of lipid research Vol. 8; no. 3; pp. 191 - 195
• Main Authors: Miyamoto, K, Stephanides, L M, Bernsohn, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier 01-05-1967
• Subjects: acetate; Acetates - metabolism; Animals; arachidonic acid; biosynthesis; Brain - metabolism; Carbon Isotopes; Chick Embryo; developing chick brain; Fatty Acids, Essential - biosynthesis; Phospholipids - metabolism; polyunsaturated fatty acids; ω3 and ω6
• ISSN: 0022-2275
• DOI: 10.1016/S0022-2275(20)40136-1

The incorporation of acetate-1-(14)C into the polyunsaturated fatty acids of glycerophosphatides of chick embryonic brain has been studied. After the injection of acetate-1-(14)C into the yolk sac, differences were found in the degree of labeling of the major fatty acids of the omega3 and omega6 series. Arachidonic acid (20:4omega6) showed a high degree of radioactivity while docosahexaenoic acid (22:6omega3) was poorly labeled, at a period of brain development when both fatty acids were being actively deposited. Evidence is presented to indicate that the low activity in docosahexaenoic acid is not explicable on the basis of either a low or high rate of turnover of this polyenoic acid. Similar results were obtained whether the rapid early or slower late stage of brain development was examined. It is suggested that the elongation of omega3 and omega6 series acids may be under the control of different regulatory mechanisms.