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Arachidonic Acid
20-carbon omega-6 PUFA (20:4n-6) derived from linoleic acid and the principal substrate for prostaglandin (PGE2, PGI2), thromboxane (TXA2), and leukotriene (LTB4) synthesis via cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways.
Also: 20:4n-6, AA, ARA
Arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids drive vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and acute inflammation, but also resolution mediators (lipoxins). It is essential for brain and retinal development and accumulates in membrane phospholipids. AA is released from phospholipids by cytosolic phospholipase A2 in response to stimuli, the rate-limiting step in eicosanoid generation.
How one textbook covers it
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 4: Lipids and Lipid Metabolites
Arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids drive vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and acute inflammation, but also resolution mediators (lipoxins). It is essential for brain and retinal development and accumulates in membrane phospholipids. AA is released from phospholipids by cytosolic phospholipase A2 in response to stimuli, the rate-limiting step in eicosanoid generation.
Related terms
EPA, Inflammation, Linoleic acid, Prostaglandins