Cyclooxygenase

Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that is respondsible for the key step in prostaglandin biosynthesis. Other names for this enzyme include: Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (the current official name), Prostaglandin H2 synthase, and Prostaglandin G/H synthase. The enzyme is most commonly abbreviated "COX," but may also be refered to as "PTGS" or "PGHS." This enzyme is the therapeutic target for the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Reasearch has also revealed that it is present in most organisms in two isoforms. A constitutive COX-1 and an inducible COX-2.