Eicosanoids: lipid mediators of inflammation in transplantation

Eicosanoids are a family of lipid mediators derived fromthe metabolism of arachidonic acid. Eicosanoids, such asprostanoids and leukotrienes, have a wide range of biologicalactions including potent effects on inflammation and immunity.It has been almost 20 years since the first reports emergedsuggesting a role for eicosanoids in transplantation. Sincethen, a number of functions have been ascribed to thesemediators, ranging from immunomodulation to regulation ofallograft hemodynamics. In this review, we will highlight theeffects of eicosanoids in transplantation, focusing particularlyon evidence provided by gene targeting studies. In the future,pharmacological manipulation of eicosanoids and their receptorsmay provide a novel approach for controlling inflammation andpromoting allograft acceptance.