MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Prostaglandins are lipid autacoids derived from arachidonic acid. They both sustain homeostatic functions and mediate pathogenic mechanisms, including the inflammatory response.

Detailed explanation-2: -Prostaglandins are found in most tissues and organs. They are produced by almost all nucleated cells. They are autocrine and paracrine lipid mediators that act upon platelets, endothelium, uterine and mast cells. They are synthesized in the cell from the fatty acid arachidonic acid.

Detailed explanation-3: -In the cortex, major sites of prostaglandin synthesis include arteries and arterioles as well as the glomerulus. At these sites, prostaglandins are important in maintaining blood flow and glomerular filtration, especially during conditions of enhanced vasoconstrictor activity.

Detailed explanation-4: -When the body is functioning normally, baseline levels of prostaglandins are produced by the action of cyclooxygenase-1. When the body is injured (or inflammation occurs in any area of the body), cyclooxygenase-2 is activated and produces extra prostaglandins, which help the body to respond to the injury.