JACSup B-12 Fink

A number of small molecules, commonly described as autacoids, are extremely important mediators of inflammation. Among the autacoids are a group of lipid mediators called eicosanoids, which are derivatives of the 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), arachidonic acid. Platelet activating factor (PAF), another important lipid mediator of inflammation, is 1-O-alkyl-2(R)-acetylglycero-3-phosphorylcholine, its ether-linked alkyl group being either a 16or 18-carbon straight-chain aliphatic (full saturated) residue. Two other important autacoids involved in inflammatory processes are small peptides: bradykinin is a nonapeptide (Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-SerPro-Phe-Arg), whereas kallidin is a decapeptide, Lysbradykinin.