Are signaling molecules made by oxygenation of arachidonic acid, a 20-carbon essential fatty acid, includes prostaglandins and related compounds.
Compounds formed in the body from long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosenoic acids, mainly arachidonic acid), formed by cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase, including the prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, all of which act as local hormones and are involved in inflammation, platelet aggregation, and a variety of other functions.
Eicosanoids are a group of compounds that have hormone-like effects and are synthesized by cyclooxgenase and lipoxygenase enzyme systems from long-chain fatty acids. Eicosanoids are classified as thromboxanes, leukotrienes, or prostaglandins. The functions and potencies of eicosanoids vary among classifications and within each class depending upon which fatty acid is used for its synthesis. These functions include blood vessel or bronchiole dilation or constriction, platelet aggregation or anti-aggregation, pro- or anti-inflammatory responses, chemotaxis, and other roles.
Superhormones made by every living cell in the human body; prostaglandins are eicosanoids.
The general term for the group of 20-carbon fatty acids that includes the prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. These substances are involved in mediating inflammation and other pathologic responses.
Any of several autocrine or paracrine cytokines formed from the metabolism of arachidonic acid. They include prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes.