Prostanoids include prostaglandins and thromboxanes. The figure shows prostanoid synthesis, physiologic actions. The circled numbers indicate potential sites of inhibition:
- 1. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1; also called prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 [PGHS-1])
- 2 and 3. Alternative fatty acid substrates, glucocorticoids, and selective COX-2 (also called prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 [PGHS-2] inhibitors block conversion of arachidonic acid to PGE2.
- 4. Prostanoid receptor antagonists block PGE2 signaling.
- 5. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and antihistamines interfere with mediators of PGE2 signaling.
- 6. Monoclonal antibodies to adhesion molecules block interactions between immune cells and their targets.
