[Nature, origin and role of fatty acids of the nervous system: an essential fatty acid, an alpha-linolenic acid, changing the structure and the cerebral function].

Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids are synthetized in cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Their mechanisms of synthesis and fate are different according to the organelle. For some of them, a nutritional origin is not excluded. Minimum dietary linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid to ensure normal brain structure and function are respectively 2.4% and 0.4% of the calories. Alpha-linolenic acid deficiency alters membrane composition and fluidity, changes the fluidizing effect of ethanol, reduces some enzymatic activities (ATP ase, 5' nucleotidase), diminishes the efficiency of the blood-brain barrier, affects electroretinogram, reduces learning capacities and makes the animals more fragile in the presence of neurotoxins. Very long polyunsaturated chains, which could be the essential fatty acids for the brain, must be considered at the level of nutrition, pharmacology and toxicology (alteration of structures and peroxidations).