Arachidonic acid

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Arachidonic Acid

Arachidonic acid (Pronunciation: ə-ˌraki-dō-ˈnik) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. It is one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain, and is present in similar quantities in the muscles. It serves as a key inflammatory intermediate and also has a role in the resolution phase of inflammation.

Etymology

The term "arachidonic" comes from the Greek arachis (meaning peanut), and -onic (meaning related to or like), because the structure of arachidonic acid was first elucidated from peanut oil.

Biochemistry

Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is present in the phospholipids (especially phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositides) of membranes of the body's cells, and is abundant in the brain, muscles, and liver.

Physiological roles

Arachidonic acid is involved in early neurological development, and is a key inflammatory intermediate. It also has a role in the resolution phase of inflammation. In physiological literature, it is given the name "20:4(n-6)".

Related terms

See also

External links

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