| eicosanoids | A class of oxygenated, endogenous, unsaturated fatty acids derived from arachidonic acid. They include prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid compounds (hete). They are hormone-like substances that act near the site of synthesis without altering functions throughout the body. (12 Dec 1998) |
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