Eicosanoids: a short review
Van der Walt, J.G.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 60(1): 65-68
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 1019-9128 PMID: 2657063 Document Number: 332392
The biochemical reactions leading to the formation of eicosanoid compounds are reviewed. Arachidonic acid and similar homologous poly-unsaturated acids are shown to be imortant precursors of these compounds. The partitioning of precursors between the cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase enzyme systems leads to the prostanoid/thromboxane/prostacyclin and leukotriene families of compounds respectively. The synthesis and catabolism of each of these groups are reviewed. The mechanism of action of the prostacyclin group is briefly discussed.