Annexin I belongs to a family of Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid binding proteins which have a molecular weight of approximately 35,000 to 40,000 and are preferentially located on the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane. Annexin I protein has an apparent relative molecular mass of 40 kDa, with phospholipase A2 inhibitory activity. Since phospholipase A2 is required for the biosynthesis of the potent mediators of inflammation, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, annexin I may have potential anti-inflammatory activity.