Formation of 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid from linoleic acid in endothelial cells

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells convert linoleic acid to two monohydroxyoctadecadienoic (HODE) acids, 9- and 13-HODE. More 9-HODE than 13-HODE is formed under most conditions. The production of these metabolites is reduced substantially by acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, or arachidonic acid, suggesting that cyclooxygenase may be involved in endothelial HODE synthesis. Incubations lasting up to 4 h indicate that the endothelial cells can convert [U-14C] linoleic acid into at least four additional products, some of which may be derived from the HODE that is formed initially. Radioactive 9- and 13-HODE are produced when the endothelial cells are labeled with linoleic acid and then exposed to thrombin, suggesting that these metabolites also may be formed when the endothelium is activated. If endothelial monolayers grown on micropore filters are incubated with linoleic acid, a substantial amount of the HODE formed accumulates in the basolateral fluid. This suggests that HODE may have extracellular effects, especially within the vascular wall. Furthermore, when 9- or 13-HODE are added, endothelial cultures produce less prostaglandin I2 and convert less 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid to its main metabolite, 8-hydroxyhexadecatrienoic acid. Therefore, in addition to extracellular actions, HODE also may have functional effects within the endothelium.