###### Created: 2023-10-17 17:18 ###### Areas & Topics: #medicine #physiology ###### Note Type: #permanent ###### Connected to: [[]] - Thromboxane is a member of a family of lipids known as eicosanoids. - Eicosanoids are signalling molecules made by the oxidation of arachidonic acid and PUFAs (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids). - Thromboxane is named due to its important role in thrombosis, with the two main thromboxanes being Thromboxane A2 and Thromboxane B2. - Thromboxane A2 is produced by activated platelets (from the conversion of prostaglandin endoperoxide by Thromboxane-A Synthase) and mainly functions in platelet aggregation and activation of new platelets, making it an important compound in thrombosis. - Thromboxane B2 is an inactive metabolite from Thromboxane A2, almost entirely cleared in the urine. ### Function - Thromboxane acts on thromboxane receptors (which are G-Coupled receptors), found on platelets, vasculature and across various organs. - Activation of this receptor causes an influx of calcium into smooth muscle, leading to contraction and thereby vasoconstriction. - Combined with the platelet aggregation and formation from the action of Thromboxane A2, this makes thromboxane a potent vasoconstrictor and hypertensive agent. ![[Pasted image 20231017172250.png]] ### Resources https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539817/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thromboxane https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/thromboxane