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  • Title: Biosynthesis of prostaglandins.
    Author: Flower RJ.
    Journal: Ciba Found Symp; ; (65):123-42. PubMed ID: 113190.
    Abstract:
    The generation of prostaglandins is catalyzed by a membrane-bound multienzyme complex. The first reaction of the biosynthetic sequence is the generation (by the enzyme 'fatty acid cyclooxygenase') of prostaglandin endoperoxides, a reaction which involves the incorporation of two moles of oxygen: this reaction probably proceeds by an ene reaction rather than a free-radical mechanism. After biosynthesis the endoperoxides can be metabolized in various ways depending on the cell-type. For example, in platelets they may be transformed into non-prostanoid compounds called thromboxanes, whereas vascular endothelium and many other tissues generate another derivative, prostacyclin. In other tissues, the 'classical' prostaglandins E, F or D may be generated. Some products of the cyclooxygenase (e.g. hydroperoxides, malonaldehyde) may have a direct toxic action on cells: prostaglandins themselves do not, but some types (especially those of the E series) are probably responsible for many of the clinical signs and symptoms of inflammation.
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