Functional aspects of eicosanoid metabolism.

The sequential metabolism of eicosanoids by AA oxygenases confers biological properties that may have significant functional implications. Further, the interpretation of the effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on eicosanoid, dependent mechanisms needs to be reevaluated. Previously, if cyclooxygenase inhibitors affected the biological action of AA, it was considered to be due to elimination of a prostanoid-mediated component. This interpretation is no longer valid if a cell or tissue has significant P450 and cyclooxygenase activity. The cellular proximity of the P450-dependent monooxygenases and cyclooxygenase, described in tubules, interstitial cells, and blood vessels, may confer a unique ability of AA metabolites to coordinate tubular and vascular function.