Lung eicosanoid metabolism.

Eicosanoids are metabolites of the essential fatty acid, arachidonic acid, which is an integral part of all cell membranes. Membrane damage (as in lung injury) and stretching of tissues are recognized stimuli for lung prostaglandin release, indicating a spectrum of possible roles of eicosanoids in the function of the normal and diseased lung. This article reviews the most pertinent issues regarding the roles of arachidonic acid metabolites in the lung.