The cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways that produce prostaglandins (PGs) and hydroxyeico-satetraenoic acids (HETEs) were studied in inflamed rabbit cornea. A cryogenic lesion was induced and five days later the epithelium, stroma and endothelium were isolated and incubated with [1-14c]arachidonic acid. After lesioning, the arachidonic acid metabolites, thromboxane B2, PGF2aand 6-keto-PGFlaexhibited the greatest increase in the stroma. Lipoxygenase products were formed in the three layers also, although 12-HETE predominated. The correlation between the synthesis of these compounds and corneal injury is discussed.