Arachidic acid is the saturated fatty acid with a 20-carbon chain. It is as a minor constituent of peanut oil (1.1%–1.7%) and corn oil. Arachidonic acid (20:4) is a component of membrane lipids that has been implicated as a messenger both in physiological and pathophysiological processes, including ischemic injury and synaptic plasticity. In order to clarify direct trophic or toxic effects of arachidonic acid on central neurons, primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons were exposed to arachidonic acid under chemically-defined conditions. Arachidonic acid present in the culture medium at concentrations over 5 x 10(-6) M showed profound toxicity, whereas at lower concentrations (10(-6) M) it significantly supported the survival of hippocampal neurons.Reduction of arachidic acid yields arachidyl alcohol.Arachidic acid is used for the production of detergents, photographic materials and lubricants.
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