The contribution of cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolites to integrated renal function

Arachidonic acid can be metabolized to diverse products which differ widely in their biological activities. These metabolites affect basic biological mechanisms such as vascular reactivity and transport function in critical nephron segments. Metabolism of arachidonic acid is discretely localized to specific cells and differs within segments of the nephron; for example, cells of the medullary ascending limb of Henle's loop have a considerable capacity to generate cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolites but have negligible cyclooxygenase activity. Arachidonic acid metabolites participate in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, and in the regulation of tissue blood flow, and act as modulators of vasoactive hormones, and, thereby, make important contributions to integrated renal function.