Preparation and characterization of hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acids (HPETEs)

5-, 8-, 9-, 11-, 12- AND 15 hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acids (HPETEs) were generated from arachidonic acid by a reaction with H2O2 and Cu++ ions. They were purified by high performance liquid chromatography, either on a silica gel (mu Porasil) column or on a reversed phase (mu Bondapak C18) column. The yield of 5-HPETE was considerably greater when the mu Bondapak C18 column was used. The HPETEs were characterized and assayed by their ability to oxidize triphenylphosphine: triphenylphosphine oxide formation was monitored by gas chromatography. When stored in methylene chloride at -20 degrees C, the HPETES were stable for several months.