Effect of intravenous lipid emulsions enriched with gamma-linolenic acid on plasma n-6 fatty acids and prostaglandin biosynthesis after burn and endotoxin injury in rats.

Objective: To study the effect of intravenous lipid emulsions enriched with gamma-linolenic acid on plasma fatty acids and series-2 prostaglandins to determine if the slow conversion of linoleic acid by delta-6-desaturase to gamma-linolenic acid could be bypassed to provide substrate for the formation of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, the immediate precursor for series-1 prostaglandins, in control and injured rats. Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid can also compete with arachidonic acid for oxidative metabolism by cyclooxygenase to modulate series-2 prostaglandin biosynthesis.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study.

Safflower oil emulsion: single and multiple infusions with or without added heparin in normal human volunteers.

Intravenous hyperalimentation in chronically ill patients has become increasingly common in hospitalized patients. Total parenteral nutrition includes supply of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. The safety of a new emulsion of safflower oil (Liposyn 10%) infused by peripheral vein was evaluated in 15 normal male volunteers.