Abstract: Objective: To analyze the effects of three different administration approaches of γ-linolenic acid on 24 cytokines in mouse serum, with the purpose to reveal the immunoregulatory effect of γ-linolenic acid Methods: γ-linolenic acid was given to mice by intragastric administration, intraperitoneal injection or ear vein injection and serum was collected from eye ball at 3, 2 and 2 h after administration of γ-linolenic acid, respectively. Luminex xMAP technology was used to determine 24 cytokines in mouse serum. Results: 8 cytokines, 6 cytokines, and 7 cytokines, respectively, showed significant changes after intragastric administration, intraperitoneal injection and vein injection of γ-linolenic acid. Based on the change patterns of cytokines after administration of γ-linolenic acid, cells that secrete these cytokines and their target cells were analyzed and intercellular communication networks responding to these administration methods were proposed. Conclusion: γ-Linolenic acid signals through mouse gastrointestinal mucosa and blood system to regulate the immune system. Signal transduction might involve NF-KB, P38/JNK/MAPK, JAK-STAT etc. γ-Linolenic acid not only is an essential fatty acid, but also has significant immunoregulatory effects. It stimulates inflammation and plays an anti-inflammatory role as well.

Key words: γ- linolenic acid, cytokines, immunoregulatory, intercellular communication network