Eicosanoids Flashcards
What are the FOUR subfamilies of Eicosanoids?
- Prostaglandins
- Prostacyclin
- Thromboxanes
- Leukotrienes
What is the structure of Eicosanoids?
20-carbon fatty acid derivative
What are Eicosanoids synthesised from?
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Particularly Arachidonic Acid
What is the structure of Arachidonic Acid?
20 C:4 unsaturated bond structure
Are Eicosanoids soluble in water?
No.
Poorly soluble in water
What are the functions of Eicosanoids?
Act as autocrine or paracrine local mediators
Where do Eicosanoids bind to receptors?
Cell surface
What receptors do Eicosanoids bind and how does signalling occur?
7-TM receptors and signalling occurs via heterotrimeric G-proteins (GCPRs)
What biological functions are Eicosanoids involved in?
- Inflammation
- Pain sensation
- Platelet aggregation
- Asthma
Are Eicosanoids stored or produced on demand?
Produced on demand
When are Eicosanoids synthesised?
When a cell is activated by mechanical trauma, growth factors, cytokines, or other stimuli
How is the rate of release of Eicosanoids determined?
Mainly by rate of synthesis, which is dependent on availability of precursor (arachidonic acid)
What type of fatty acid is Arachidonic Acid?
- Essential fatty acid
- Cannot be synthesised from scratch
Where is Arachidonic Acid normally present?
In cells that are esterified at the 2-position in phospholipids
How is Arachidonic Acid released from phospholipids?
By the action of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes