The formation of diarachidonyl diglyceride by rat neutrophils.

Neutrophils isolated from the pleural cavity of rats 3 hr after the intrapleural injection of carrageenan metabolize exogenously added arachidonic acid via cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. In addition, these cells esterify arachidonic acid to produce diarachidonyl diglyceride. The structure of the diglyceride was determined with the use of various chemical and enzymatic digestions, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 252Cf plasma-desorption mass spectrometry. The formation of this unique diglyceride is stimulated by the presence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some of the possible consequences of diarachidonyl diglyceride production are discussed.