inflammatory role
Last reviewed 01/2018
The prostanoids are implicated in inflammatory reactions:
- they are found at relatively high concentration in inflammatory exudate
- key anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to influence prostanoid pathways
- PGE2 and PGI2 are central:
- vasodilate
- facilitate the increase in permeability of substances such as histamine
- lower the threshold for peripheral sensation of pain caused by other mediators e.g. bradykinin
- PGE2 alone may decrease the activity of selective leukocytes
- LTB4:
- aggregation and adhesion of leukocytes
- potent chemotactic agent
- HPETE and HETE can cause leukocyte chemotaxis
- LTC4-E4:
- increase vascular permeability
- produce effects mirroring asthma e.g. bronchoconstriction and mucus production
- PGE1 and PGE2 are implicated as intermediates in the hypothalamic production of fever