The Role of Leukotrienes in Inflammation

  1. William R. Henderson, MD
  1. From the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington. Request for Reprints: William R. Henderson, Jr., MD, Department of Medicine, SJ-10, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195. Grant Support: In part by AI17758 and AI34578 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, HL30542 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, DK41978 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and grants from Abbott Laboratories and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

    Abstract

    Objective: To review the biochemistry and biological activities of leukotrienes, focusing on their role in the mediation of inflammatory diseases.

    Data Sources: MEDLINE (1966-1994), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica; 1974-1994), and other biomedical and drug directory databases (such as Pharmaprojects and IMSworld R&D Focus [1991-1994]) were searched to identify English-language articles (basic science, clinical trial research, and review articles) and abstracts of conference proceedings on leukotrienes and related terms.

    Study Selection: Basic science studies on leukotrienes and clinical research studies on the use of leukotriene inhibitors and antagonists in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as asthma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.

    Data Extraction: Detailed summaries of data from basic science studies on the formation and actions of leukotrienes and from clinical studies of drugs that block the synthesis or receptor-mediated actions of leukotrienes.

    Data Synthesis: Leukotrienes are biologically active 5-lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism that are involved in the mediation of various inflammatory disorders. Of these, leukotriene B4 (a potent chemoattractant for leukocytes) and the sulfidopeptide leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4 (which increase vascular permeability and constrict smooth muscle) exert their biological actions through specific ligand-receptor interactions. Selective leukotriene inhibitors and receptor antagonists are currently under evaluation in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

    Conclusions: Further data on the in vitro and in vivo activities of the leukotriene inhibitors and antagonists should clarify the role of leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of such inflammatory diseases as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Leukotriene inhibitors and antagonists will probably become important agents in the group of anti-inflammatory drugs.

    « Previous | Next Article »Table of Contents

    This Article

    1. Ann Intern Med November 1, 1994 vol. 121 no. 9 684-697
    1. » Abstract
    2. Figures
    3. Full Text
    4. Full Text (PDF)

    Rapid Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Current Issue

    1. November 17, 2009, 151 (10)
    1. Alert me to current issues