Effect of sugar-induced hypertension in rats on the pattern of serum arachidonic, dihomo-gamma-linoleic and linoleic acids

To examine a possible association between plasma fatty acid composition and hypertension in the sugar-fed rat compared with control rats, we have dete rmined blood pressure as well as arachidonic, dihomo-gamma-linoleic and lin oleic acids patterns in the blood plasma of rats 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age. Significant early alterations in linoleic and arachidonic acid in p lasma of sugar-fed rats were manifest at the 8th week, while blood pressure was raised significantly in the sugar-fed rats until the 20th week. There was a significant accumulation of dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid at 16 and 20 w eeks in the sugar-fed rats. These observations indicate that an early alter ation in the proportion of arachidonic acid in the plasma of sugar-fed rats can be considered as a marker of an initial step in the development of hig h blood pressure. Later, the onset and progression of hypertension reflect a severe change in lipid metabolism. Med Sci Res 27:847-849 (C) 1999 Lippin cott Williams & Wilkins.