Open AccessArachidonic acid deficiency in streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
Author(s) -
Ralph T. Holman,
Susan B. Johnson,
Jon M. Gerrard,
Mauer Sm,
S Kupcho-Sandberg,
David M. Brown
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.80.8.2375
Subject(s) - arachidonic acid , medicine , endocrinology , diabetes mellitus , polyunsaturated fatty acid , linoleic acid , streptozotocin , gamma linolenic acid , linolenic acid , kidney , fatty acid , biology , chemistry , biochemistry , enzyme
Fatty acid compositions of phospholipids of heart, liver, kidney, aorta, and serum from rats having streptozotocin-induced diabetes were determined and compared with those of nondiabetic controls. Linoleic and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acids were increased whereas arachidonic acid was decreased in most tissues, suggesting an impairment of delta 5-desaturase activity. Acids derived from linolenic acid were increased in some diabetic tissues from diabetic animals although the linolenic content was normal, indicating less impairment in the desaturation of the omega 3 series of fatty acids. Diabetes suppressed all polyunsaturated acids in the whole animal, but the competition between omega 3 and omega 6 acids favored the excessive suppression of long-chain omega 6 acids and an increase in the proportion of omega 3 acids in lipids of vital tissues. These changes in fatty acid composition of the phospholipids may have significant effects on cellular functions and vasoregulatory control mechanisms in diabetes.