Dictionary > Thromboxane

Thromboxane

Definition
noun, plural: thromboxanes
Any from the various arachidonic acid metabolites produced by the action of thromboxane synthase on prostaglandin cyclic endoperoxides, and play a role in blood clotting and vasoconstriction
Supplement
Eicosanoid is the generic term to refer to the compounds derived from arachidonic acid or other polyunsaturated fatty acids of 20-carbon length. Some of the prominent eicosanoids include (1) eoxins, (2) leukotrienes, (3) lipoxins, (4) prostacyclin, (5) prostaglandins, (6) resolvins, and (7) thromboxanes.
Thromboxane is an eicosanoid formed from the action of thromboxane A-synthase on prostaglandin cyclic endoperoxides (e.g. prostaglandin H2, prostaglandin G2). In particular, arachidonic acid is converted to prostaglandin H2, which in turn is converted into thromboxane by the aid of the enzyme found in platelets, thromboxane A-synthase. Another endoperoxide product, prostacyclin, has the opposite effects. The thromboxane, though, are characterized by having a six-membered ether-containing ring. Thromboxanes got their name for their role in thrombosis (a blood clotting process). They are vasoconstrictors and facilitate platelet aggregation. Thromboxane acts when bound to thromboxane receptors.
Two of the major thromboxanes are thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and thromboxane B2 (TxB2). TxA2 is a potent inducer of platelet aggregation and release and although unstable, the activation of platelets leads to the further production of TxA2. TxB2 is a more stable compound than TxA2. TxB2 is important in the platelet-release reaction (release of aDP and serotonin).
See also:

Related term(s):

  • Thromboxane a2
  • Thromboxane-a synthase
  • Thromboxane b2
  • Thromboxane dehydrogenase
  • Receptors thromboxane


  • You will also like...

    Chemical effects on plant growth and development
    Effect of Chemicals on Growth & Development in Organisms

    Plants and animals need elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium for proper growth and developme..

    DNA molecule
    Genetic Control – On and Off Genes

    Genes are the blueprint of our bodies, a blueprint that creates a variety of proteins essential to any organism's surviv..

    human brain structure
    The Conscious & Unconscious Nervous System

    This tutorial elaborates on how the nervous system works, particularly at the tissue level of the brain. There are three..

    "Opabinia regalis"
    The Evolutionary Development of Multicellular Organisms

    Multicellular organisms evolved. The first ones were likely in the form of sponges. Multicellularity led to the evolutio..

    Non-Mendelian Inheritance
    Non-Mendelian Inheritance

    In this tutorial, find out more about certain types of inheritance that does not follow the Mendelian inheritance patter..

    Gene Pool and Speciation
    The Gene Pool and Population Genetics

    According to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, preferable genes are favored by nature in the gene pool, and ..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics