Incorporation of deuterium-labeled cis- and trans-9-octadecenoic acids in humans: plasma, erythrocyte, and platelet phospholipids.

The objective of this study was to follow the uptake and distribution of oleic and elaidic acids into human erythrocytes, platelets, and plasma phospholipids. The use of dual and triple labeling methodology permitted a precise comparison of elaidic and oleic acid utilization. Elaidic acid (EI) was selectively concentrated in all the plasma phospholipids except for lysophosphatidylcholine. Three times more elaidic than oleic acid (OI) accumulated in the 1-acyl position of phosphatidylcholine, as determined by hydrolysis with phospholipase A2. Rapid incorporation and removal of elaidate were observed for all samples. These results support the concept that enzymes responsible for acylation of phospholipids are sensitive to double bond configuration and the physical properties of the fatty acid moieties. Labeled fatty acid levels in red cell and platelet phospholipids were much lower than for plasma phospholipids, indicating a relatively slow rate for the in vivo incorporation of fatty acids into blood cell membrane phospholipids. No isotope effect was found when oleic acid labeled with deuterium on the double bond was used.