Arachidonic acid metabolism by erythrocytes.

Rabbit, chicken, rat, and dog erythrocytes (10(9) cells/ml) synthesized immunologically active 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) when stimulated by the Ca2+ ionophore, A-23187. The levels of immunologically active hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid were independent of the number of white blood cells and platelets in the erythrocyte suspensions. Two products were resolved by high performance liquid chromatography; one product was identified as 12-HETE, while a second product appeared to be a dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Radiolabeled arachidonic acid was incorporated into phospholipids. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were primary sources of the 12-HETE and dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, all of which were released from the cells.