Eicosanoids

Eicosanoids are information chemicals used to control just about every function in the body including pain perception, blood clotting, reproductive, nervous system, cardiovascular, kidney, digestive, and immune system functioning. Eicosanoids differ from endocrine hormones since they do not travel in the bloodstream. Instead, they diffuse short distances and only stimulate themselves or the cells in close proximity to them. The polyunsaturated fatty acids sitting within the cell membrane are used to make eicosanoids. Eicosanoids modulate the individual actions and reactions of a cell and oppose each other to create balance the same way as insulin works synergistically with glucagon. For example, one eicosanoid will cause cell constriction and another will cause cell relaxation. Eicosanoids are separated into two different categories: productive eicosanoids and counterproductive eicosanoids. Insulin and omega-6 fats increase counterproductive eicosanoids and glucagon and omega-3 fats favor the manufacture of productive eicosanoids.

COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE EICOSANOIDS
Constricts lung passageways
Decreases immune system
Stiffens blood vessels
Makes blood more “sticky”
Increases inflammation
Increases insulin release
Promotes pain
Promote cell division
Inhibits cyclic AMP (cAMP)

PRODUCTIVE EICOSANOIDS
Opens lung passageways
Increases immune system
Dilates blood vessels
Increases blood viscosity
Decreases inflammation
Decreases insulin release
Decreases pain
Decrease cell division
Increases cyclic (cAMP)

ARACHIDONIC ACID
Counterproductive hormones can be made straight from arachidonic acid, a type of omega-6 fat that’s found in egg yolks and red meats. These foods should be limited because of their arachidonic acid content, not because they contain cholesterol. Aspirin works by obstructing the production of arachidonic acid, blocking the eicosanoids that promote pain, mucus production in the stomach and blood clotting. This is why aspirin can not cure a headache without risking stomach ulcers and bleeding.

Eicosanoids and drugs
Many drugs work by influencing eicosanoid hormones.
The eicosanoid prostaglandin E1 is used as a therapy for treating erectile dysfunction by relaxing specific blood vessels to increase blood flow.
During abortions, eicosanoid analogs that promote uterine contractions are used to terminate pregnancy. Other eicosanoids are used to induce labor.
Corticosteroids (cortisone) inhibit inflammation by blocking the synthesis of all eicosanoids, the reason prolonged use causes muscle and bone loss.