arachidonic acid

Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid (20:4(ω−6)) that is an integral component of cell membranes and plays a critical role in physiological homeostasis. It serves as a precursor for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids—including prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes—which are signaling molecules involved in inflammation and other cellular processes. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase enzymes in response to various stimuli such as neurotransmitters or hormones. Once free within the cell, it can directly modulate ion channels and protein kinases or be metabolized into active lipid mediators that regulate neuronal activity and inflammatory responses. It contributes to membrane fluidity and flexibility—especially important for brain function—and acts as a second messenger in intracellular signaling pathways[1][3][4][6].

Other names

arachidonateall cis-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid