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Cyclooxygenase

(Science: enzyme) An enzyme protein complex present in most tissues that catalyses two steps in prostaglandin biosynthesis and produces prostaglandins and thromboxanes from arachidonic acid.

The cyclooxygenase activity converts arachidonate and 2O2 to prostaglandin G2; the hydroperoxidase activity uses glutathione to convert prostaglandin G2 to prostaglandin H2.

The cyclooxygenase activity is inhibited by aspirin like drugs, accounting for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Synonym: prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase.