Role of Arachidonic Acid Metabolism in ARDS

Arachidonic acid (AA), an unsaturated fatty acid directly from the diet or indirectly from the metabolism of linoleic acid, is released from the breakdown of cell membrane phospholipids by the action of the enzyme phospholipase A2. Numerous stimuli, ranging from simple mechanical to specific chemical stimulation may activate what has been named the arachidonic acid cascade. Phospholipase A2 itself can be inhibited by corticosteroids and local anesthetics which therefore are able to modulate the generation of AA.