Eicosanoids Flashcards
What is the relative availability of Arachidonic acid in cells?
Low
What enzyme releases arachidonic acid from phospholipids?
Phospholipase A2
Cyclooxygenase converts arachidonic acid to what?
PGG2
Peroxidase converts PGG2 into what?
PGH2
Arachidonic acid is converted to PGG2 by what enzyme?
Cyclooxygenase
PGG2 is converted to PGH2 by what enzyme?
Peroxidase
Where is COX-1 expressed?
In all tissues
Where is COX-2 commonly seen?
In inflammation
To what extent are the structures of COX1 and COX2 similar?
60%
How is the active site of COX2 different from COX1
It is bigger and more accessible
What are the various fates of PGH2?
- PGE2
- PGD2
- PGF2a
- PGI2
- TxA2
What is the structural difference between E1 and E2?
The number subscript refers to number of double bonds. E2 has two double bonds.
Cyclooxygenases convert Arachidonic acid into what two substances?
PGs and Thromboxanes
5-lipoxygenases convert Arachidonic acid into what substance?
Leukotrienes
What is the prototype 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor?
Zileuton
What effect does Zileuton have and how does it achieve this?
Decreased production of Leukotrienes
Achieved by inhibition of 5-LO
What is the prototype Leukotriene receptor antagonist for this class?
What is its effect on Leukotriene biosynthesis?
Zafirlukast
It has no effect on biosynthesis
What specific types of leukotrienes does Zafirlukast inhibit the effects of?
CYS-containing Leukotrienes
How is Zileuton administered?
orally
How is Zileuton metabolized?
CYP enzymes (CYP1A2, 2C9, 3A4)
What is the mechanism of action for Zileuton?
It inhibits 5-LO and prevents any production of Leukotrienes
What is the only adverse effect of Zileuton?
Increases liver enzymes in some
What is the therapeutic use of Zileuton?
Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma
What is the common route of administration for Zafirlukast?
Oral
What enzyme metabolizes Zafirlukast?
CYP2C9
What is the mechanism of action for Zafirlukast?
Cys-Leukotriene receptor antagonism
What is the therapeutic use for Zafirlukast?
Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma
Describe the inactivation of eicosanoids.
Rapid inactivation. Infusion of PGE1 is 95% inactivated through one pass in lung.
There are two steps to the catabolism of eicosanoids. Describe them.
- Initial step is rapid - 15OH dehydrogenase oxidation and PGdelta13 reductase reduction
- Second step is relatively slow - beta oxidation of side chains
What are the two primary second messengers for prostaglandin and thromboxane receptors?
Ca2+ and cAMP
Leukotriene LTB4 affects what receptors and to what effect? What second messenger is used?
BLT1 and BLT2
chemotaxis
Ca2+
Leukotrienes LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 affect what receptors and to what effect?
What second messenger is used?
cysLT1 and cysLT2
bronchoconstriction and increased vascular permeability
Ca2+
PGE2 and PGI2 have what effects in the periphery regarding pain? (4 items)
- Sensitize pain receptors
- Lower the threshold of nociceptors of C fibers
- Hyperalgesia
- Potentiate pain-producing activity of other mediators
Where in the CNS is there COX2 expression?
To what end?
In the spinal cord
May contribute to neuropathic pain
Do PGs alone cause pain?
Only in high concentrations. They mainly lower the threshold for pain for other mediators.
How do PGs cause fever?
Cytokine formation increases synthesis of PGE2 which increases cAMP and triggers hypothalamus to elevate body temperature
How is TXA2 produced in platelets?
activation of platelet membrane stimulates PLA2 to release arachidonic acid which is metabolized by COX1 into thromboxane