The cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways in human oral cancer tissue

This paper reports on the synthesis of prostaglandins in oral squamous epithelial carcinomas. Using radio-thin-layer chromatography, we observed the conversion of 14C-labelled arachidonic acid into the prostaglandins PGE2, PGF2 alpha, PGI2 and PGD2. We also observed an approximately equal production of hydroxy fatty acids. The role of the above-mentioned substances in the growth of malignant tumours and the process of metastasis is discussed.