Linked Life Data

7767372

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/7767372

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
1
pubmed:dateCreated
1995-7-5
pubmed:abstractText
A considerable body of biological evidence has accumulated that suggests that docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3) is an essential component in the nervous system. Moreover, it appears from these studies that long chain polyunsaturates of the n-6 family such as arachidonate (20:4n6) and docosapentaenoate (22:5n6) cannot substitute for 22:6n3. This evidence is briefly reviewed and two hypotheses centering upon either biochemical or biophysical aspects of polyunsaturate function are presented and discussed. It is concluded that a bioactive metabolite of 22:6n3 is not responsible for its function in brain and that the best hypothesis asserts that a membrane function of a 22:6n3-containing species of phospholipid, such as phosphatidylserine, is critical for optimal neural function. Moreover, data are presented indicating that the biophysical properties of various highly unsaturated species of phospholipid are distinguishable. It is further contended that these species are not randomly distributed in membranes and thus the differences in physical properties may be amplified. It is concluded that a conceptual framework is needed in which the distinct membrane roles of phospholipid species may be understood as a function of the positions and numbers of double bonds. Only then may the critical role of the highly unsaturated n-3 polyunsaturates in the brain and retina be understood.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
0968-7688
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
12
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
131-4
pubmed:dateRevised
2008-11-21
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:articleTitle
The nervous system has an absolute molecular species requirement for proper function.
pubmed:affiliation
Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry & Biophysics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article