What is the primary function of phospholipase A2 in the context of inflammatory mediators?

Phospholipase A2 plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response by catalyzing the release of arachidonic acid from the phospholipid components of cell membranes. When cells are activated during inflammation, phospholipase A2 is activated and acts on membrane phospholipids, breaking down the phospholipid bilayer to liberate arachidonic acid. This arachidonic acid is subsequently utilized as a substrate for the synthesis of various eicosanoids, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are key mediators in the inflammatory process.

Understanding this function is essential because arachidonic acid derivatives are involved in numerous inflammatory responses, such as vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and attracting immune cells to sites of inflammation. The liberation of arachidonic acid by phospholipase A2 thus serves as a critical step that sets the stage for further inflammatory signaling and modulation.

The other options relate to subsequent steps in the inflammatory process but do not describe the primary action of phospholipase A2. For instance, while arachidonic acid is used to synthesize prostaglandins and leukotrienes, the initial step of releasing it from membrane phospholipids is the foundational role of