LIPID-COMPOSITION OF THE ERYTHROCYTE-MEMBRANE OF SOME MARINE FISH

1. 1. The distribution of phospholipids and fatty acids in isolated erythrocyte membranes was examined in 8 species of marine fish representing various systematic groups. 2. 2. Phospholipids made up about 80% of the total lipids. The phospholipid distribution was different from that of mammalian erythrocytes. 3. 3. In six species, polyunsaturated C:20 and C:22 acids constituted about half of the total fatty acids. Two teleostean species with relatively low percentages of polyunsaturated long chain fatty acids showed high proportion of 18:1 acid. No obvious correlation was noticed between composition of erythrocyte lipids and haematological factors or systematic position of fish or salinity of water. Influence of environmental factors such as diet or temperature may explain differences in erythrocyte lipids in fish of different geographical origin. © 1979.