ABSTRACT
In the formation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-6 series, the rate limiting step is the ∆6-desaturation of 18:2n-6 into 18:3n-6(1). Numerous biological effects of 18:3n-6 mediated by prostanoids or by the influence of the fatty acid per se on membrane structure have been demonstrated, e.g., effects on inflammation, premenstrual syndrome, hypertension and cholesterol metabolism. This has recently been reviewed extensively by Horrobin (2).
