Eicosanoids: Function & Diseases

Eicosanoids are hormone-like hydrophobic substances that function as neurotransmitters or immune modulators. They are formed as part of lipid metabolism. Starting materials are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. What are eicosanoids? The hormone-like eicosanoids play a major role as neurotransmitters or immune modulators. In some cases, they elicit opposite reactions. Basically, they are mediators between … Eicosanoids: Function & Diseases

Leukotrienes: Function & Diseases

Leukotrienes are substances produced in white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, when fatty acid is broken down. Even in small amounts, they register a high effect as mediators in allergic reactions and inflammation. What are leukotrienes? The medical name leukotriene already refers to white blood cells. In the Greek language, “leukós” means “white.” Leukotrienes … Leukotrienes: Function & Diseases

Prostaglandins

Introduction Biochemically, prostaglandins belong to the eicosanoids. They are a kind of precursor of arachidonic acid consisting of quadruple unsaturated fatty acids with 20 carbon atoms. Their special feature lies in the mediation of pain, in the processes of inflammatory reactions and the development of fever. Prostaglandins consist of several subgroups. The prostaglandin E2 (PGE … Prostaglandins

Linoleic Acid: Function & Diseases

Linoleic acid is a very important fatty acid and essential for the body. Why is linoleic acid, whose name comes from Latin, so important for our body? What tasks does it perform in the organism? What is linoleic acid? Linoleic acid is a doubly unsaturated fatty acid. Unsaturated fatty acids are organic chemical compounds whose … Linoleic Acid: Function & Diseases

Noradrenaline

Definition Noradrenaline is a messenger substance (transmitter) produced naturally in the body, which belongs to the subgroup of catocholamines. It is produced from the neurotransmitter dopamine with the participation of an enzyme (dopamine beta hydroxylase). For this reason, dopamine is also called a precursor of noradrenaline. The production takes place mainly in the adrenal medulla, … Noradrenaline

Noradrenaline receptors | Noradrenaline

Noradrenaline receptors The specific receptors for norepinephrine and adrenaline are called adrenoceptors. The two messenger substances act at two different receptor subtypes. On the one hand, the alpha receptors are stimulated and on the other hand the beta receptors are activated. Alpha-1-receptors are mostly located on the walls of the blood vessels, which ensure the … Noradrenaline receptors | Noradrenaline

Prostaglandins: Function & Diseases

Prostaglandins are special tissue hormones. They are also used in drugs. What are prostaglandins? Prostaglandins are local hormones from the eicosanoid class derived from arachidonic acid. They are important for the local mediation of pain. In addition, they serve as mediators of hormone action and are involved in integrative functions. The name prostaglandins is due … Prostaglandins: Function & Diseases

Arachidonic Acid: Function & Diseases

Arachidonic acid belongs to the polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is semiessential for the body. Arachidonic acid is found predominantly in animal fats. What is arachidonic acid? Arachidonic acid is a quadruply unsaturated fatty acid and belongs to the omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids serve as precursors to prostaglandins and thus play an important role … Arachidonic Acid: Function & Diseases