Stimulation of fatty acid release in glioblastoma cells by caffeine.

Caffeine, a well-known behavior stimulant, was found to activate the fatty acid release mechanism in glioblastoma cells. The enhancement of the liberation of fatty acids from esterified complex lipids by caffeine was time dependent. Cell density had a strong influence on the responsiveness to caffeine. The mobilization of unsaturated fatty acids were preferentially stimulated by caffeine. Therefore, caffeine may alter membrane structure and enhance eicosanoid biosynthesis.