Fatty-acid composition of rat brain lipids. Determined by support-coated open-tubular gas chromatography.

The nonhydroxy fatty acid composition of rat brain lipids (except gangliosides) was determined by support-coated open-tubular (SCOT) gas chromatography. Fatty acids of both odd and even chain lengths ranging from C14 to C26 were detected. Brain lipids contained 49% saturated, 29% monounsaturated, and 22% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Monoenoic fatty acids were mainly of the omega-9 and omega-7 series with minor amounts of omega-10 and amega-11 isomers. Dienes and trienes consisted of omega-6, amega-7, and omega-9 series. Tetraenes were of the omega-6 series. Small amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 pentaenes were detected. The most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid was 22:6omega-3. The advantages of support-coated open-tubular columns over wall-coated open-tubular columns for the analysis of brain lipid fatty acids are discussed.