Some effects of gamma-linolenic acid on cultured human oesophageal carcinoma cells
Leary, W.P.; Robinson, K.M.; Booyens, J.; Dippenaar, N.
South African Medical Journal 62(19): 681-683
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 6291175 Document Number: 189332
According to Horrobin's hypothesis, malignant cells may be dependent upon the deficiency of .gamma.-linoleic acid, a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E1. Cells of 2 continuous human esophageal carcinoma lines [HCU 18, HCU 39] were treated by the addition of .gamma.-linolenic acid (GLA) at concentrations of 10-60 .mu.g/ml culture medium. After 7 days of exposure to GLA, pronounced morphological changes became evident and culminated in cell death. GLA-mediated effects were time- and dose-dependent and varied slightly with the degree of histological differentiation of the lines tested. The findings may have clinical implications.