Arachidonic Pathway - N5315 Advanced
Pathophysiology Questions and Correct
Answers
What is the arachidonic pathway?
✓ ~~~ The biochemical process which is responsible for the synthesis of
prostaglandins.
The arachidonic pathway is a separate arm of what?
✓ ~~~ The inflammatory process
What is the role of the arachidonic pathway?
✓ ~~~ Has a significant role in maintaining homeostasis.
How is arachidonic acid made?
✓ ~~~ It is made from linoleic acid which is part of the phospholipid cell
membrane.
What enzyme is responsible for the conversion of linoleic acid to arachidonic acid?
✓ ~~~ Phospholipase A2
What is arachidonic acid converted to?
✓ ~~~ Prostaglandin H2 by the COX1 & COX2 enzymes
What happens to prostaglandin H2?
✓ ~~~ It undergoes conversion to form prostaglandins, thromboxane A2, and
prostacyclin.
What is the function of prostaglandins made by the COX1 pathway?
✓ ~~~ They function to maintain homeostasis by maintaining gastric mucosa,
fluid and electrolyte balance, and platelet aggregation
What is the function of prostaglandins made by the COX2 pathway?
✓ ~~~ They function mainly in the inflammatory process and produce pain and
fever. They also have a role in maintaining homeostasis (renal function, tissue
repair, reproduction development).
What is the function of NSAIDS on the arachidonic pathway?
✓ ~~~ NSAIDS are COX2 inhibitors that were developed to help preserve the
gastric mucosa (prevent ulcers & bleeds) while at the same time inhibit the
effects of inflammation.
What is the only COX2 inhibitor still on the market?
✓ ~~~ Celebrex
Why were all but one COX2 inhibitors removed from the market?
Pathophysiology Questions and Correct
Answers
What is the arachidonic pathway?
✓ ~~~ The biochemical process which is responsible for the synthesis of
prostaglandins.
The arachidonic pathway is a separate arm of what?
✓ ~~~ The inflammatory process
What is the role of the arachidonic pathway?
✓ ~~~ Has a significant role in maintaining homeostasis.
How is arachidonic acid made?
✓ ~~~ It is made from linoleic acid which is part of the phospholipid cell
membrane.
What enzyme is responsible for the conversion of linoleic acid to arachidonic acid?
✓ ~~~ Phospholipase A2
What is arachidonic acid converted to?
✓ ~~~ Prostaglandin H2 by the COX1 & COX2 enzymes
What happens to prostaglandin H2?
✓ ~~~ It undergoes conversion to form prostaglandins, thromboxane A2, and
prostacyclin.
What is the function of prostaglandins made by the COX1 pathway?
✓ ~~~ They function to maintain homeostasis by maintaining gastric mucosa,
fluid and electrolyte balance, and platelet aggregation
What is the function of prostaglandins made by the COX2 pathway?
✓ ~~~ They function mainly in the inflammatory process and produce pain and
fever. They also have a role in maintaining homeostasis (renal function, tissue
repair, reproduction development).
What is the function of NSAIDS on the arachidonic pathway?
✓ ~~~ NSAIDS are COX2 inhibitors that were developed to help preserve the
gastric mucosa (prevent ulcers & bleeds) while at the same time inhibit the
effects of inflammation.
What is the only COX2 inhibitor still on the market?
✓ ~~~ Celebrex
Why were all but one COX2 inhibitors removed from the market?
