Arachidonic acid brain development

The main problem with any study of prostaglandins (PGs) is that although brain concentrations can exceed 0.1 /rg/g, they appear to be formed on demand, rather than preformed and stored and they have very short half-lives (seconds). Also specific effective antagonists remain to be developed and PGs are widely and evenly distributed, unlike many NTs. Thus any analysis of their central effects rests heavily on either studying PG release, or their effects when applied directly (icv injection). Certainly the brain has the enzymatic ability to synthesise both prostaglandins (cycloxygenase) and leukotrienes (lypoxygenase) from arachidonic acid (AA) (see Fig. 13.8) and a number of central functions have been proposed for them (see Piomelli 1994). 

Another commercially available product containing naturally occurring marine products is Formulaid , produced by Martek Biosciences as a nutritional supplement for infant formulas. Formulaid contains two fatty acids, arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), extracted from a variety of marine microalgae. ARA and DHA are the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids found in breast milk, and they are the most important fatty acids used in the development of brain gray matter. They are especially desirable for use in infant formulas because they come from nonmeat sources and can be advertised as vegetarian additives to the product. 

Dual inhibitors also demonstrate other therapeutical benefits. They reduced the coronary vasoconstriction in arthritic hearts in a rat model [101], and significantly decreased angiotensin II-induced contractions in human internal mammary artery [102], Opioid receptor activation can cause a presynaptic inhibition of neurotransmitter release mediated by LOX metabolites of arachidonic acid in midbrain neurons. The efficacy of opioids was enhanced synergistically by treatment of brain neurons with COX and LOX dual inhibitors. This report might lead to development of CNS analgesic medications involving combinations of lowered doses of opioids and COX/LOX dual inhibitors [103]. The COX and 5-LOX dual inhibitors also can prevent lens protein-induced ocular inflammation in both the early and late phases [104]. 

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have various physiological functions and are widely used as pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, and as food additives. The ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been used for the treatment of arteriosclerosis and hyperlipemia since 1991 in Japan (Hara, 1993). DHA possesses not only similar physiological activities to those of EPA, but also an important function in the brain and retina (Hung, 2007). In addition, DHA accelerates the growth of preterm infants as does arachidonic acid (Carlson et al., 1993 Lanting et al., 1994). From these reasons, DHA ethyl ester (DHAEE) is currently expected to be used as a medicine, and the development of the purification methods is desired. 

After the demonstration of THC binding sites in the CNS (26), a search for an endogenous ligand produced the long-chain ethanol-amine derivative (17) of arachidonic acid, known as anandamide (27). Subsequently, the glycerol ester of arachidonic acid (18), known as 2-AG, was shown to be a more abundant endogenous ligand in the brain than anandamide (28). Further development has tended... 

Mackerel, menhaden, herring, cod liver, and salmon are rich in EPA and DHA. However, the content of n-3 FA can vary appreciably among fish of different types. Many reports state that EPA and especially DHA are important for human development, particularly of the brain and eye (Connor et al 1992 Uauy et al., 1992). Supplementation of infant formula with EPA and DHA clearly improves visual acuity supplementation with both arachidonic acid and DHA produces right balance. 

Hassma AG, Crawford MA. The differential incorporation of labelled linoleic, gamma-linolenic, dihomo-gamma-hnolenic and arachidonic acids into the developing rat brain. J Neurochem 1976 27(4) 967-968. 

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are two fatty acids abundant in human milk, but until recently, were not contained in commercial infant formulas. While the role of ARA supplementation is unclear, DHA is known to be important in both brain and eye development. In some studies, DHA and ARA supplementation has been shown to provide benefits to a child s visual function and/or cognitive and behavioral development. " Other studies have shown no difference with DHA and ARA supplementation. The FDA has classified the plant-based fatty acid blends of DHA and ARA (DHASCO, ARASCO Martek Biosciences Corporation) as generally recognized as safe in infant formulas. 

HUFAs are very important during the development of marine larvae. DHA is a major component in the brain and nervous system development (Tocher, 2010). However, it is not only the amount of HUFA, but also the ratio between different HUFA (DHA, EPA and arachidonic acid (ARA)) which is important (Tocher, 2010) for marine larvae. Oie and Olsen (1997) observed that the protein and lipid content and the DHA/EPA ratio of the rotifers varied according to the growth rate and feed ration. This positive... 

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