Enzymic lipoxygenation of arachidonic acid: mechanism, inhibition, and role in eicosanoid biosynthesis
Studies on the lipoxygenation of arachidonic acid by various enzymes have been carried out using diverse approaches. A mechanistic picture of this reaction has been developed which both correlates known information and assists in the rational design of new lipoxygenase inhibitors. A working hypothesis is advanced for the biosynthesis of prostaglandins in mammalian systems. An entirely different mechanism is proposed for the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and related eicosanoids in marine organisms.