ARACHIDONIC-ACID SYNTHESIS AND LIPID-METABOLISM IN RETINOIC ACID-DIFFERENTIATED NEUROBLASTOMA-CELLS

SK-N-BE cells were differentiated (D) to neurons with retinoic acid. T otal n - 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially arachidonic acid (AA), were increased in D versus ND cells. AA synthesis from lino leic acid (LA) and phospholipid (PL) synthesis from glycerol were init ially elevated, whereas both processes were reduced approaching differ entiation. At this stage, the incorporation of glycerol in triglycerid es was enhanced. Formation of long chain PUFA and synthesis of accepte rs (PL) for esterification, during RA-induced SK-N-BE differentiation, appear to be associated.