Synonym(s): Arachidonic Acid, cis,cis,cis,cis-5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraenoic Acid, 20:4

Description

Arachidonic Acid (AA) is a naturally occurring cis-polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid (20:4) and a critical structural component of cell membrane phospholipids. Upon stimulation, arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by cellular phospholipases and subsequently metabolized into a wide range of bioactive eicosanoids.

These metabolites include prostaglandins and thromboxanes via the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway, leukotrienes via the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) through the cytochrome P450 pathway, all of which play essential roles in inflammation, vascular tone regulation, platelet aggregation, and immune signaling.

Arachidonic acid also exhibits direct signaling activity, including covalent post-translational binding to G-protein α-subunits, inhibition of Ras-GAP, and stimulation of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in platelets, making it a valuable reagent for biochemical, physiological, and signal transduction research.

Specifications

Product Name	Arachidonic Acid
Synonyms	cis,cis,cis,cis-5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraenoic Acid; 20:4
CAS Number	506-32-1
Molecular Formula	C₂₀H₃₂O₂
Molecular Weight	304.47
Assay / Purity	≥99% (TLC and GC)
Form	Oil
Color	Colorless
Solubility	Ethanol: 5 mg/mL
SMILES	OC(=O)CCC\C=C\C\C=C\C\C=C\C\C=C\CCCCC
Quality Level	100
UNSPSC Code	12352211
NACRES	NA.77
MDL Number	MFCD00004417

Biochemical & Physiological Properties

Primary Target: Ras-GAP
Cell Permeability: No
ATP Competition: No
Reversibility: No
Mechanism of Action:
- Precursor for prostaglandins, prostacyclin, and thromboxane
- Modulates nitric oxide production via COX-mediated prostaglandin synthesis
- Covalent post-translational binding to G-protein α-subunits
- Platelet activation and NO synthesis stimulation

Features

≥99% purity verified by GC and TLC
Key eicosanoid precursor for inflammatory and vascular signaling studies
Suitable for biochemistry, pharmacology, and cell signaling research
Packaged under inert gas to ensure chemical stability
Consistent quality suitable for reproducible experimental results

Applications

Prostaglandin, leukotriene, and thromboxane biosynthesis studies
Inflammation and immune signaling research
Platelet function and nitric oxide signaling analysis
Lipid metabolism and membrane biology research
Enzyme pathway studies involving COX, LOX, and cytochrome P450

Packaging & Storage

Packaging: Packaged under inert gas
Shipping Condition: Dry ice
Storage Temperature: −70 °C
Storage Instructions:
- OK to freeze
- Protect from light

Preparation & Stability

Following reconstitution, aliquot and store at −20 °C
Stock solutions are stable for up to 1 month at −20 °C
Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles to maintain integrity

Safety & Disclaimer

Toxicity: Harmful (C)
For Research Use Only (RUO)
Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use

Arachidonic Acid 99%