Arachidonic acid synthesis and lipid metabolism in retinoic acid-differentiated neuroblastoma cells.

SK-N-BE cells were differentiated (D) to neurons with retinoic acid. Total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially arachidonic acid (AA), were increased in D versus ND cells. AA synthesis from linoleic acid (LA) and phospholipid (PL) synthesis from glycerol were initially elevated, whereas both processes were reduced approaching differentiation. At this stage, the incorporation of glycerol in triglycerides was enhanced. Formation of long chain PUFA and synthesis of acceptors (PL) for esterification, during RA-induced SK-N-BE differentiation, appear to be associated.