Infusion of emulsified trieicosapentaenoyl-glycerol into rabbits--the effects on platelet aggregation, polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion, and fatty acid composition in plasma and platelet phospholipids.

Using 90%-pure free eicosapentaenoic acid, we synthesized 1,2,3-trieicosapentaenoyl-glycerol (EPA-TG) and manufactured an emulsion of EPA-TG with purified phosphatidylcholine from krill as an emulsifier. After two intravenous injections of the EPA-TG emulsion into rabbits, the EPA content in plasma and platelet phospholipids increased markedly. ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation and polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion to glass beads were depressed significantly. No significant changes were observed in serum lipids and liver function. In control experiments which were performed in exactly the same manner except that soybean oil emulsion was used instead of the EPA-TG emulsion, there were almost no significant changes. Our results suggest that an EPA-TG emulsion is applicable to those patients who need both intravenous alimentation and preventive care of thrombosis, such as postoperative patients.