Question

Aspirin inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 but not the synthesis of leukotrienes. Why?

Answer 1

Prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis are closely regulated and they are stimulated by a number of activators, hormones, cytokines, and growth factors. The major therapeutic as well as toxic effects of Aspirin accounted for by inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity and, therefore, prostaglandin synthesis. So these NSAIDs do not inhibit leukotriene synthesis, and under some conditions these drugs may augment the production of leukotrienes. Synthesis of both prostaglandins and leukotrienes are inhibited by glucocorticoids through lipomodulin-mediated inhibition of arachidonic acid release.