Eicosanoids Flashcards
1
Q
what is Eicosanoids
A
They come from 20 carbon fatty acids and are a potent hormone and are involved in inflammatory and immune response
2
Q
what are the 4 families of Eicosanoids
A
- Prostaglandins PG
- Prostacyclins PGI
- Leukotrienes LT
- Thromboxanes TX
3
Q
Are Eicosanoids stored?
A
they are synthesised when required and not stored
4
Q
What are Eicosanoids activated by?
A
truma, cytokines and growth factors
5
Q
What is COX (1+2)
A
Cyclo-oxygenase
Catalyses conversion of free FA to prostanoids
Two step process
PG: 5 carbon ring bridged by 2 oxygen
TX: 6 carbon ring
LT: no ring structure
6
Q
What is LOX
A
Lipoxygenase
First found in leukocytes but now in other immune cells
Oxidation of arachidonic acid by the enzyme arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase to form 5HPETE
5HPETE simultaneously reduces to 5HETE
