Which mediators are inflammatory mediators produced from arachidonic acid metabolism?

• A. Prostaglandins and leukotrienes
• B. Cytokines
• C. Antibodies
• D. Reactive oxygen species

Answer: (A)

Arachidonic acid metabolism yields lipid mediators that play a central role in inflammation, notably prostaglandins and leukotrienes. When arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2, it is processed by two main enzyme pathways. The cyclooxygenase pathway makes prostaglandins (and thromboxanes), while the lipoxygenase pathway makes leukotrienes. These eicosanoids promote redness, swelling, pain, and other inflammatory responses through vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and chemotaxis.

Cytokines are protein signaling molecules produced by immune cells, not direct products of arachidonic acid metabolism. Antibodies are immunoglobulins produced by B cells. Reactive oxygen species arise from other cellular processes and enzymes, not from arachidonic acid pathways.