Eicosanoid Production

**Semantic type:** Physiologic Function

**Definition:** Eicosanoid Production consists of synthesis of hormone-like endogenous unsaturated and oxygenated fatty acid derivatives of arachidonic acid (eicosanoids) that act near the site of synthesis and have a specific regulatory effect on the activity of target cells in host defense reactions, immediate hypersensitivity, and inflammation. Eicosanoids include prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid compounds.