What is the Significance of Arachidonic Acid in Inflammation?
Arachidonic acid plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response. Upon release from cell membranes, it is metabolized by enzymes such as cyclooxygenases (COX) and lipoxygenases (LOX) into various eicosanoids like prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. These eicosanoids are potent mediators of inflammation, contributing to vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and the recruitment of immune cells.
