Final answer:
Prostaglandins synthesis from arachidonic acid is carried out by enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), which produce intermediates leading to various prostaglandins with roles in the regulation of physiological processes such as blood pressure and inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prostaglandins synthesis begins with the polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid. The conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins is initiated by enzymes known as cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2). These enzymes catalyze the formation of the intermediate prostaglandin PGG₂, which is rapidly converted to PGH₂. PGH₂ is a crucial compound in the pathway as it not only regulates blood vessel constriction and dilation and stimulates platelet aggregation but also serves as a precursor to other prostaglandins such as PGE2 and PGF₂α. These prostaglandins can induce labor by stimulating uterine contractions and affect blood pressure regulation.
In terms of health implications and pharmaceutical interactions, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, inhibit the activity of COX enzymes, thereby obstructing the synthesis of prostaglandins which are associated with pain and inflammation. This underscores the important role that these enzymes play in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid.