Antithrombotic activity of a symmetrical triglyceride with eicosapentaenoic acid and gamma-linolenic acid in guinea pig mesenteric microvasculature.

The antithrombotic effect of a synthetic symmetrical triglyceride having eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at positions 1 and 3, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) at position 2 was investigated. Administration of the triglyceride significantly increased thrombus formation time and thrombotic occlusion time induced by light irradiation and a fluorescent dye in guinea pigs after 14 days administration compared to that of soybean oil. The antithrombotic effect of the triglyceride was similar to that of EPA ethyl ester. Administration of the triglyceride increased GLA, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and EPA contents in plasma and the liver, and the ratio of DGLA to arachidonic acid. These results might be responsible for this antithrombotic effect.