The long duration, in vivo, inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase by 2-methyl-8-cis-12-trans-14-cis-eicosatrienoic acid.

Competitive inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase by 8-cis-12-trans-14-cis-eicosatrienoic acid has been reported to occur in vitro. No in vivo effects were observed, possibly due to rapid metabolic degradation of this fatty acid by beta-oxidation. The present study involved the evaluation of this compound in vivo, and the preparation and evaluation in vivo of its alpha and beta methyl-substituted analogs which retain the carbon skeleton of the parent compound, and which might be expected to be resistant to beta-oxidation. Using a newly developed radioimmunoassay for the total urinary metabolites of prostaglandin E, data were obtained that indicates that both the parent compound and its 2-methyl analog are prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors in vivo. The 2-methyl analog exhibited an unusually long duration of activity as compared to both indomethacin and the parent compound. The lengthened duration of action of the 2-methyl analog may be explained both by its possible resistance to beta-oxidation, and to possible alteration in rates of either fatty acid transport, or incorporation/release from triglycerides (acylation/deacylation of triglycerides).

Choline and inositol distribution in algae and fungi.

Inositol and choline were present in varying amounts among the species of Rhodophyta, Phaeophyta, Chlorophyta, and Euglenophyta examined. However, in the two members of the order Fucales (division Phaeophyta) examined, no detectable amounts of choline were found. In contrast, the species of Cyanophyta examined contained no detectable amounts of either choline or inositol. All species of the fungal classes Phycomyceteae, Ascomyceteae, and Basidiomyceteae collected contained both inositol and choline in varying amounts. The red, brown, and blue-green algae usually contained much less inositol and choline than do plant and animals sources, but the fungi and the algae Chlorella and Euglena contained amounts comparable to those present in plant sources.