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Eicosanoids
Eicosanoids
Arachidonic Acid
a 20-carbon
polyunsaturated
fatty acid with
four double
bonds by using
interrelated
pathway.
Examples of eicosanoids:
Prostaglandins (PGE2, PGF2 etc.)
Prostacyclins (PGI2)
Thromboxanes (TXA2)
Leukotrienes
Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EETs)
Leukotriene A4 is
a leukotriene.
Leukotriene A4
hydrolase converts it
to leukotriene B4.
Leukotriene C4
synthase converts it
to leukotriene C4.
Functions of eicosanoids:
Inflammation
Pain
Fever
Regulation of blood pressure
Blood clotting
Immune system modulation
Control of reproductive processes & tissue
growth
Regulation of sleep/wake cycle
PGD2
Bronchoconstriction
Inhibition of platelet aggregation
Functions of eicosanoids:
PGF2
Contraction of uterine muscles
Bronchoconstriction
PGI2
Inhibition of platelet aggregation
Vasodilation
TXA2
Platelet aggregation
Bronchoconstriction
Vasoconstriction
Prostaglandin receptors:
Prostaglandins & related compounds are transported
out of the cells that synthesize them.
Most affect other cells by interacting with plasma
membrane G-protein coupled receptors.
Depending on the cell type, the activated G-protein
may stimulate or inhibit formation of cAMP, or may
activate Ca++ release.
Eicosanoid synthesis:
AA is the primary precursor of eicosanoids.
AA is present as a component of the phospholipids
of cell membranes.
Free AA is released from tissue phospholipids by
hydrolysis catalyzed by phospholipase A2 of cell
membrane or cytoplasm in response to various
stimuli, eg, physical injury, immune reactions.
Synthesized also from essential dietary fatty acids,
esp. linoleic acid.
C
yc
lo
ox
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Arachidonic Acid
Prostaglandins
Thromboxanes
Prostacyclins
Li
po
xy
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na
se
Leukotrienes
Cyclooxygenase pathway:
Lipoxygenase pathway: