Merck, SML1395-100MG, Arachidonic acid sodium salt from Mortierella alpina

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a polyunsaturated ϖ fatty acid constituent of the phospholipids of cell membranes. Structurally, it is a 20-carbon chain that contains four cis double bonds, which allow the free acid form of AA to be an insoluble oil; this can be converted to the water-soluble sodium salt form within the normal physiological pH range. Arachidonic acid is metabolized by multiple enzymes to yield various metabolites; AA and its metabolites play important roles in a variety of biological processes, including signal transduction, smooth muscle contraction, chemotaxis, cell proliferation and differentiation and apoptosis.