Lipid metabolism in human platelets: I. Evidence for a complete fatty acid synthesizing system

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Abstract

Extracts from human platelets contain the enzymes of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis. The pattern of incorporation of acetate-1-14C into fatty acids by intact platelets indicates that these enzymes function in platelets. The level of acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase activity in extracts of platelets from normal subjects is 0.036 ±0.01 mμmole of malonyl-CoA formed per min per mg of protein and that of fatty acid synthetase is 0.075 ±0.016 mμmole of malonyl-CoA utilized per min per mg of protein. Thus, platelets are the only formed elements of the blood capable of de novo fatty acid synthesis. The capacity of platelets to synthesize fatty acids is similar to human liver based on enzyme activity per milligram of soluble protein.

Authors

Philip W. Majerus, M. B. Smith, G. H. Clamon