Eicosanoids Flashcards
How many carbons are in one eicosanoid?
20 carbons
Clinical Importance of Eicosanoids
- platelet aggregation
- inflammation, arthritis, and asthma
- gastrointestinal integrity
- kidney and liver homeostasis
- reproduction, ovulation, and parturition
- development
Major classes of eicosanoids
- prostacyclins
- prostaglandins
- thromboxanes
- leukotrienes
Generation of Eicosanoids
membrane phospholipid -> arachidonic acid (elongated) -> arachidonic acid (folded) -> either Cyclooxygenase (COX) or 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX)
Four Cardinal Signs of Inflammation
- rubor
- tumor
- calor
- dolor
rubor
redness via vasodilation
tumor
swelling via increased vascular permeability
calor
fever
dolor
pain by sensitizing nociceptors
What 2 categories of drugs prevent the major symptoms of osteoarthritis with excellent results?
- Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (SAIDS)
- Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
What is the problem that can arise with the use of SAIDS or NSAIDS?
Serious side effect of loss of gastrintestinal integrity
sepsis
- chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body
- this is the highest levels of cortisol possible in the body
In asthma, mast cells in airway react to antigen by releasing leukotrienes. What leukotrienes are released?
- LTB4
- LTC4
- LTD4
- LTE4
Role of LTB4?
attracts eosinophils to leave blood stream and enter mucosa.
(eosinophils are an additional source of leukotrienes)
Role of LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4?
Cause asthmatic symptoms:
bronchioconstriction
edema by increasing vascular permeability
secretion of heavy mucus
