The oxidative metabolism of arachidonic acid by purified cytochromes P-450

Arachidonic acid is catalytically oxidized using either of two types of purified cytochrome P-450 reconstituted with the purified flavo-protein, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase. The reaction is dependent on the presence of cytochrome P-450, NADPH, and oxygen. The patterns of products formed are unique for the type of cytochrome P-450 used. This suggests an enzyme-directed specificity of the site of attack on the unsaturated fatty acid by the hemeprotein. Additional experiments show a possible role for cytochrome b₅ since the addition of purified cytochrome b₅ enhances the rate of metabolism of arachidonic acid 2 to 3 fold.