6 Questions
What is the source of eicosanoids?
20 carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids
What do eicosanoids function as in the body?
Local hormones
What is a characteristic of eicosanoids in terms of their action?
Discrete and tissue-specific effects
Which of the following is NOT a type of eicosanoid?
Amino acids
What is the effect of eicosanoids on the digestive system?
They induce ulcers
When do eicosanoid levels increase?
During shock and after injury
Study Notes
Eicosanoids
- Eicosanoids are a family of biologically active substances derived from 20 carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid.
- Members of the eicosanoid family include prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and epoxy-eicosatrienoic acids (EETs).
- Eicosanoids function as local hormones, synthesized and exerting their biological actions in the same tissue.
- They have physiological and pathological effects on various systems, including:
- Cardiovascular system
- Pulmonary system
- Reproductive system
- Digestive system
- Examples of their effects include:
- Inducing abortion or pregnancy ulcers
- Site-specific actions during shock and after injury
- Diverse functions, such as:
- Bronchoconstriction
- Bronchodilation
- Vasodilation
- Vasoconstriction
- Physiologically and pathologically, eicosanoids are local hormones, synthesized and exerting their action in a tissue, with actions usually discrete and related to the physiological demands of the tissue.
Test your knowledge on eicosanoids, a family of biological substances derived from fatty acids, and their physiological and pathological effects on the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other systems. Learn about prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and more.
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