You are examining the effects of an experimental compound on the synthesis of series-2 prostaglandins. You find that addition of the compound to endothelial cells in culture results in the same level of inhibition as that observed for acetylsalicylate. These results indicate that the compound is inhibiting which of the following reactions of prostaglandin synthesis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The compound likely inhibits the oxygenation reaction, similar to acetylsalicylate (aspirin), which inhibits the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme involved in the oxygenation step of prostaglandin synthesis.  The synthesis of the prostaglandins is initiated via the activity of PGS. This enzyme possesses 2 activities, COX and peroxidase. One of the actions of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is the inhibition of the oxygenation activity of the COX portion of PGS and since the experimental compound exhibits the same activity, it is most likely the oxygenation reaction being inhibited.

You Are Examining the Effects of an Experimental Compound on the Synthesis