Article
Article
Eicosanoid
Article By:
Campbell, William B. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Last reviewed:September 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.214250
A family of naturally occurring, biologically active substances derived from 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid. Members of the eicosanoid family include prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, anandamide, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) [see illustration]. Functioning as local hormones, eicosanoids are synthesized and exert their biological actions in the same tissue. Many eicosanoids have physiological and pathological effects on the cardiovascular, pulmonary, reproductive, and digestive systems. See also: Biochemistry; Hormone
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