HNE is a major product of endogenous lipid peroxidation. The w-6-family (linoleic and arachidonic acids) of polyunsaturated fatty acids may produce HNE as a result of free radical attack. HNE is a highly reactive compound and it can react with several functional groups on biological material, particularly sulfydryl groups to form thioester adduct and then hemiacetals. HNE may also react with histidine and lysine residues of proteins to form stable Michael addition-type of adducts. HNE-modified proteins may display an altered biological functions. Antibodies to HNE will help to visualize the HNE-adducts.
4-HNE is supplied as a solution in ethanol. To change the solvent, simply evaporate the ethanol under a gentle stream of nitrogen and immediately add the solvent of choice. Solvents such as DMSO and dimethyl formamide purged with an inert gas can be used. The solubility of 4-HNE in these solvents is at least 50mg/ml. 4-HNE is stable for at least three months in these solvents if stored at -70°C. Further dilutions of the stock solution into aqueous buffers or isotonic saline should be made prior to performing biological experiments. Ensure that the residual amount of organic solvent is insignificant, since organic solvents may have physiological effects at low concentrations. If an organic solvent-free solution of 4-HNE is needed, it can be prepared by evaporating the ethanol and directly dissolving the neat oil in aqueous buffers. The solubility of 4-HNE in PBS, pH 7.2 is at least 1mg/ml. We do not recommend storing the aqueous solution for more than one day.
Storage and Stability:Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing and store at -70°C. Aliquots are stable for 6 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap
