involved in inflammation and cellular signaling

-examples prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes

precursor to Eicosanoid

metabolized by : cyclooxygenase or lipooxygenase pathway 

inhibited by-corticosteroids

breaks down arachidonic acid by

cox enzymes 1 and 2

 cox2 inhibitors and NSAIDS- inhibit

result of this pathway:vasodilation, hyperalgesia, diuresis, immunodulation

causes: bronchoconstriction, vasoconstriction, decreased coronary blood flow, decreased contractility, plasma exudation

drugs that block:zileuton, montelukast