title: Prostaglandin chemistry.
abstract: The prostaglandins and some related substances of biological importance constitute a rapidly growing family of compounds, all the members of which are oxygenated derivatives of certain polyunsaturated, essential fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid. Most cell types possess the enzyme systems necessary for the conversion of the precursor fatty acids into these compounds. The first step in the conversion leads to the production of cyclic peroxides, and this step is readily inhibited by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The further metabolism of the endoperoxides leads to the formation of other potent compounds: the "classical" prostaglandins, the thromboxanes, and prostacyclin.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D011448:Prostaglandin Antagonists; D011449:Prostaglandin Endoperoxides / Q000378:metabolism; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000096:biosynthesis
chemical_list: D011448:Prostaglandin Antagonists; D011449:Prostaglandin Endoperoxides; D011453:Prostaglandins