Arachidonic acid release

Arachidonic acid release refers to the process by which arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid present in cell membrane phospholipids, is liberated into the cytoplasm. This occurs primarily through the action of phospholipase A₂ enzymes in response to various stimuli such as inflammation or cellular activation. Once released, free arachidonic acid serves as a substrate for multiple enzymatic pathways—including cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases—leading to the production of bioactive lipid mediators like prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes that play central roles in inflammation, immunity, pain signaling, and resolution processes. The inhibition of this release is a key mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroid drugs. However, "arachidonic acid release" itself is not a discrete molecular target (such as an enzyme or receptor), but rather describes a biochemical event or process within cells; thus it should not be classified as a canonical therapeutic target.

Inhibition of arachidonic acid release from phospholipids by corticosteroids, leading to reduced production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes