response to arachidonic acid

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of an arachidonic acid stimulus. [GO_REF:0000071, GOC:TermGenie, PMID:16382163]

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. It is released from membrane phospholipids by the enzyme phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Once released, AA acts as a signaling molecule, triggering a cascade of events that lead to the production of various bioactive lipid mediators. These mediators, including prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and lipoxins, mediate a wide range of physiological and pathological responses.

The response to AA can be broadly categorized into two main pathways: the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway and the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway.

**Cyclooxygenase (COX) Pathway:**

- COX enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) catalyze the conversion of AA into prostaglandin H2 (PGH2).
- PGH2 is the precursor for a variety of prostaglandins, including PGE2, PGF2α, PGD2, and PGI2.
- These prostaglandins exert diverse effects on inflammation, pain, fever, blood clotting, and smooth muscle contraction.

**Lipoxygenase (LOX) Pathway:**

- LOX enzymes catalyze the oxygenation of AA at specific carbon positions, leading to the production of leukotrienes and lipoxins.
- Leukotrienes, particularly LTB4, are potent chemoattractants for neutrophils and contribute to inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
- Lipoxins, such as LXA4 and LXB4, possess anti-inflammatory properties and promote the resolution of inflammation.

**Other AA Metabolites:**

- In addition to prostaglandins and leukotrienes, AA can be metabolized into other bioactive lipids, such as epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs).
- EETs have vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
- HETEs contribute to inflammation and contribute to the regulation of blood pressure.

The response to AA is a complex and highly regulated process that involves multiple enzymes, signaling pathways, and downstream effectors. The specific response to AA varies depending on the cell type, the cellular environment, and the activation of different enzymes. The intricate network of AA metabolism and signaling pathways contributes to a wide range of physiological and pathological processes in the body.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)