Novel transformations of arachidonic acid by the rat thyroid in vitro.

The transformation of arachidonic acid by the rat thyroid in vitro has been investigated. At least two metabolites have been partially characterized: they differed from known metabolites of arachidonic acid in terms of retention volume in liquid chromatography, ultraviolet spectrophotometry and pharmacology (formation not inhibited by indomethacin and enhanced by eicosatetraynoic acid). The analysis by chemical ionization mass spectrometry suggested that these metabolites might be diketo-monohydroxy- and monoketo-dihydroxy-compounds. The conversion of arachidonic acid into these compounds was stimulated by ionophore A23187, decreased by the peroxidase inhibitor methimazole and potentiated by iodide, suggesting that this pathway is under the control of Ca2+ and of a peroxidase product.