Arachidonate metabolites and kinins in blood pressure regulation.

Arachidonic acid (AA) can be metabolized to an array of products affecting biological mechanisms such as those governing vascular reactivity and transport function. Metabolism of AA by cyclooxygenase in the nephron is discretely localized and is overshadowed in some nephron segments by a considerable capacity to generate P-450 AA metabolites. The synthesis of renal P-450 AA products is increased in hypertension. AA metabolites participate in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and regulation of tissue blood flow and act as modulators of pressor systems. In addition, eicosanoids either augment or mediate the vasodilator-diuretic actions of the kallikrein-kinin system.