The second effect of DHA inclusion in PL's is a newly discovered alteration in the cell membrane structure. It is now well established that DHA promotes "lipid raft" formation in cellular membranes (36-38). These rafts, primarily composed of sphingomyelin and cholesterol, form the sites where some transmembrane proteins can be inserted into the membrane. These transmembrane proteins may be sites for ion channels or receptors that define important cellular functions and can be a means to activate cells. Thus, DHA's ability to promote raft formation may have a profound beneficial effect on platelet function.