PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ROLES OF EICOSANOIDS IN THE MICROCIRCULATION

Eicosanoids are important mediators of both physiological and pathophy siological responses of the microcirculation. These biologically activ e lipid mediators can be produced locally by the cellular elements wit hin the microvasculature (endothelium, pericytes, smooth muscle cells) as well as interstitial cells (e.g. fibroblasts, mast cells) and by v arious cells in the vascular compartment (e.g. leukocytes, platelets). Transcellular metabolism of intermediates produced by one cell type i n close contact with another also has the potential to generate potent metabolites. This review integrates some of the older literature with recent developments in eicosanoid synthesis and release, the molecula r advances in the enzymology and receptor specificity of the eicosanoi ds and the regulation by autocoids and inflammatory mediators. The pot ential roles of eicosanoids in regulation of local blood flow, vascula r reactivity, angiogenesis and leukocyte adhesion and transmigration a re discussed.