[Prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes. Their role in cardiovascular diseases, allergic reactions and inflammation].

Prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes are oxygen metabolites of arachidonic acid forming a family of lipidic substances with intrinsic biological activities. The significance of biosynthesis of these mediators in response to cell stimulation remains unclear. Numerous data suggest that these compounds, produced by blood cells and vascular cells, play an important role in cardiovascular pathology, allergy or inflammation. The concept, based on biochemistry, of distinct metabolic pathways should be reappraised, using a physiological approach that involves a biological effect resulting from a synergistic action of different compounds. The development of specific assay methods will permit to investigate compounds obtained from biological fluids or from cells present in recognized pathological situations. Such in vitro data should help to clarify the role of these autacoids in cardiovascular, allergic or inflammatory diseases.