Characterization of cis-9 trans-11 trans-15 C18:3 in milk fat by GC and covalent adduct chemical ionization tandem MS

J Lipid Res. 2009 Dec;50(12):2412-20. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M800662-JLR200. Epub 2009 Jun 19.

Abstract

Rumen biohydrogenation of dietary alpha-linolenic acid gives rise in ruminants to accumulation of fatty acid intermediates, some of which may be transferred into milk. Rumelenic acid [cis-9 trans-11 cis-15 C18:3 (RLnA)] has recently been characterized, but other C18:3 minor isomers are still unknown. The objective of this work was to identify a new isomer of octatridecenoic acid present in milk fat from ewes fed different sources of alpha-linolenic acid. Structural characterization of this fatty acid was achieved by GC-MS. Analysis of dimethyloxazoline and picolinyl ester derivatives allowed for location of the double bond positions. Covalent adduct chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the positional structure 9-11-15, identical to RLnA, and helped to establish double bond geometry (cis-trans-trans). This new C18:3 isomer could be formed by isomerization of cis-15 bond of RLnA and subsequently converted by hydrogenation to trans-11 trans-15 C18:2, an octadecadienoic acid also detected in this study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Diet
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids / analysis*
  • Fatty Acids / chemistry*
  • Milk / chemistry*
  • Sheep
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry
  • alpha-Linolenic Acid / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • alpha-Linolenic Acid