Metabolism of palmitic and docosahexaenoic acids in Reuber H35 hepatoma cells

In this work, we have modified the fatty acid composition of Reuber H35 hep atoma cells by supplementation of the culture medium with a saturated (palm itic) or a polyunsaturated (docosahexaenoic) acid. These fatty acids were i ncorporated into total lipids and phospholipids of hepatoma cells. Palmitic acid readily increased the percentage of its monounsaturated derivative (1 6:1 n-7), When both fatty acids were supplemented at the same concentration , the percentage of docosahexaenoic acid in the total lipids and phospholip ids of Reuber H35 cells increased more than that of palmitic acid. Although the levels of 16:0 increased, the addition of docosahexaenoic acid to the culture medium decreased the percentages of monoenoic acids. From our resul ts, it can be concluded that palmitic and docosahexaenoic acids modify the fatty acid composition of Reuber H35 hepatoma cells. The profound changes i nduced by docosahexaenoic acid, especially those in the phospholipid fracti on, may be of great interest given the main role of these components in the regulation of chemical and physical properties of biological membranes and /or membrane systems.