Microdetermination of Polyenoic Fatty Acids and Total Fatty Acids in Plasma and Tissue.

Abstract

A method for the isolation of fatty acids from 2 g plasma or tissue-homogenate prior to the determination of polyenoic acids is described. Total fatty acids are determined by titration. The polyenoic acids are determined by the method of Herb and Riemen-schneider, the amount of fatty acids isomerized being 2-6 [mu]equiv. This method gives highly reproducible results. The saponification step of the isolation procedure was investigated with respect to changes in composition and structure of the fatty acids during saponification. It was found that the degree of conjugation of double bonds was low, and that the proportions of the different polyenoic acids were not influenced by saponification.