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Inflammatory role

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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

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