Arachidic Acid

Arachidic Acid (CAS No.: 506-30-9) is a long-chain saturated fatty acid widely distributed in mammalian tissues, where it is predominantly incorporated into membrane phospholipids in esterified form and contributes to the structural integrity and stability of cellular membranes. As a modulator of membrane fluidity and biophysical properties, it influences membrane-associated signaling processes and can act as an effector of certain receptors and ion channels, although it does not activate arachidonic acid-sensitive potassium channels in neuronal systems. Functionally, arachidic acid is implicated in lipid metabolism pathways and has been shown to affect cellular responses such as neutrophil aggregation at low micromolar concentrations, highlighting its relevance in inflammation-related signaling studies. In addition, emerging evidence suggests a role in modulating age-related cognitive processes, supporting its utility in neuroscience research. Naturally occurring in dietary sources and certain microorganisms, arachidic acid is commonly employed in studies investigating lipid metabolic stress, membrane dynamics, and lipid-mediated signal transduction, as well as in the development of experimental models for metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. The concentrations or doses used in experimental settings typically vary depending on specific assay systems, including in vitro cell-based models and in vivo animal studies, particularly in the context of drug discovery and mechanistic investigations of lipid-associated pathways.