Satoshi Yoshida (1), Akira Sato (2) and Harumi Okuyama(2,*)
(1) Research Laboratory Center, Oita Medical University, Hasama-cho,
Oita 879-5593, Japan
(2) Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Mizuho-ku,
Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
(*) To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract: Dietary fatty acid balance has been revealed to affect
neural functions as well as chronic diseases such as cancer, cerebro- and
cardiovascular diseases, and allergic hyper-reactivity. In this review,
we focused on the pathophysiological effects of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids
on brain functions. Long-term n-3 fatty acid deficiency in the presence
of n-6 fatty acids has been shown to affect learning behavior, drug sensitivity
and retinal functions. Some membrane enzymes and ion channel functions have
been shown in experimental animals to be regulated by membrane fatty acid
modifications. We also summarized the effects of these fatty acids in diets
on human psychotic aspects and brain diseases. Although biochemical mechanisms
remain to be elucidated, investigations on the effect of dietary fatty acids
on neural networks may provide an important clue to clarify complex brain
functions.
Keywords: Arachidonic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid, Learning behavior,
Memory, Psychosis