In the presence of NADPH cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases oxidize arachidonic acid giving rise to four epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) which are hydrolyzed enzymatically to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs). EETs generate vasodilators. Allylic oxidation forms hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, of which 12(R)HETE is an inhibitor of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and renin release. Finally, omega and omega-1 hydroxylation of arachidonic acid generates 20- and 19-HETEs which are involved in the development of hypertension in SHR rats.