Prostaglandins

Mediates a wide range of physiological effects, including inflammation, pain, fever, and blood clotting, derived from arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenase pathway.

Key Functions:

• Potentiate pain and inflammation.
• Regulate blood vessel dilation and constriction.
• Influence uterine contractions during childbirth.
• Modulate immune responses.

Interacting Systems & Components:

• Eicosanoids (class of lipids they belong to)
• Arachidonic Acid (precursor)
• Cyclooxygenases (COX-1, COX-2, enzymes that synthesize them)
• Inflammatory Response (key mediators)
• Thromboxanes (related mediators)