Eicosanoids as mediators of ischemia and shock.

A variety of eicosanoids are produced in ischemic and circulatory shock. Many of these constrict arteries, induce platelet aggregation or adherence of other blood cells to the vasculature, and contribute to increased membrane permeability. Thromboxane A2, leukotriene C4, and leukotriene D4 fulfill all the criteria stipulated for humoral mediators of ischemia and shock. Moreover, pharmacologic modulation of these mediators by either specific inhibition of their synthesis or antagonism of their arteries at their receptor sites protects against tissue and cell damage during ischemia and shock as well as enhances survival in these life-threatening states.