Eicosanoids

Question 1

How many carbons are in one eicosanoid?

Answer 1

20 carbons

Question 2

Clinical Importance of Eicosanoids

Answer 2

• platelet aggregation
• inflammation, arthritis, and asthma
• gastrointestinal integrity
• kidney and liver homeostasis
• reproduction, ovulation, and parturition
• development

Question 3

Major classes of eicosanoids

Answer 3

• prostacyclins
• prostaglandins
• thromboxanes
• leukotrienes

Question 4

Generation of Eicosanoids

Answer 4

membrane phospholipid -> arachidonic acid (elongated) -> arachidonic acid (folded) -> either Cyclooxygenase (COX) or 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX)

Question 5

Four Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Answer 5

• rubor
• tumor
• calor
• dolor

Question 6

rubor

Answer 6

redness via vasodilation

Question 7

tumor

Answer 7

swelling via increased vascular permeability

Question 8

calor

Answer 8

fever

Question 9

dolor

Answer 9

pain by sensitizing nociceptors

Question 10

What 2 categories of drugs prevent the major symptoms of osteoarthritis with excellent results?

Answer 10

• Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (SAIDS)

- Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)

Question 11

What is the problem that can arise with the use of SAIDS or NSAIDS?

Answer 11

Serious side effect of loss of gastrintestinal integrity

Question 12

sepsis

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

In asthma, mast cells in airway react to antigen by releasing leukotrienes. What leukotrienes are released?

Answer 13

• LTB4
• LTC4
• LTD4
• LTE4

Question 14

Role of LTB4?

Answer 14

attracts eosinophils to leave blood stream and enter mucosa.

(eosinophils are an additional source of leukotrienes)

Question 15

Role of LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4?

Answer 15

Cause asthmatic symptoms:
bronchioconstriction
edema by increasing vascular permeability
secretion of heavy mucus