Prostaglandins are part of the eicosanoid family and are synthesized from arachidonic acid through the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. They act as autocrine and paracrine mediators, influencing a variety of physiological processes such as inflammation, blood flow, the formation of blood clots, and the induction of labor. Their role as mediators makes them significant in toxicological studies, especially concerning anti-inflammatory drugs and other therapeutic interventions.
