Biomaterial Database

Leukotrienes: possible mediators in bronchial asthma. 1983

P J Piper

Leukotrienes (LTs) are generated from human and guinea-pig lung tissue during antigen challenge. Both human and guinea-pig lung generate LTD4, LTC4, and LTE4 are also formed by human lung and LTB4, by guinea-pig lung. LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 contract guinea-pig trachea and human bronchus, LTC4 and LTD4 being very much more active than histamine. LTB4 shows some activity but rapidly develops tachyphylaxis. In preparations of guinea-pig lung (perfused lung and parenchymal strips) all LTs cause stimulation of a phospholipase and release of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and other cyclo-oxygenase products. TxA2 is bronchoconstrictor and augments the LT-induced contractions of guinea-pig parenchyma. Contractions of parenchyma are inhibited by indomethacin, carboxyheptylimidazole or mepacrine. LTs are much less active in contracting parenchymal tissue from human, rat or rabbit and there is no evidence of LT-induced release of TxA2 in these tissues. Since LTC4 and LTD4 cause coronary vasoconstriction in guinea-pig or rat isolated hearts and greyhounds in vivo, LTs generated in lung during antigen challenge may contribute to anaphylactic cardiac depression. LTC4 and LTD4 cause vasoconstriction in guinea-pig skin and constrict guinea-pig pulmonary artery. Recently we have shown that LTs are generated from selected arteries by immunological and non-immunological stimulation. Pulmonary (pig, human, guinea-pig) and coronary arteries (pig) produced the highest concentration of LTD4-like material. The generation of LTs by and their possible actions on the pulmonary circulation may be important in respiratory disease. LTs, B4, C4, D4 cause exudation of plasma (sometimes potentiated by prostaglandins) in the skin of various species. If LTs have similar actions in the lung they may contribute to oedema of the airways. LTC4 is a weak stimulator of mucin secretion in cat trachea but may synergise with prostaglandins released in allergic conditions.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007975	Leukotriene B4	The major metabolite in neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes. It stimulates polymorphonuclear cell function (degranulation, formation of oxygen-centered free radicals, arachidonic acid release, and metabolism). (From Dictionary of Prostaglandins and Related Compounds, 1990)	5,12-HETE,5,12-diHETE,LTB4,Leukotriene B,Leukotriene B-4,Leukotrienes B,5,12 HETE,5,12 diHETE,B-4, Leukotriene,Leukotriene B 4
D009077	Mucins	High molecular weight mucoproteins that protect the surface of EPITHELIAL CELLS by providing a barrier to particulate matter and microorganisms. Membrane-anchored mucins may have additional roles concerned with protein interactions at the cell surface.	Mucin
D009119	Muscle Contraction	A process leading to shortening and/or development of tension in muscle tissue. Muscle contraction occurs by a sliding filament mechanism whereby actin filaments slide inward among the myosin filaments.	Inotropism,Muscular Contraction,Contraction, Muscle,Contraction, Muscular,Contractions, Muscle,Contractions, Muscular,Inotropisms,Muscle Contractions,Muscular Contractions
D001980	Bronchi	The larger air passages of the lungs arising from the terminal bifurcation of the TRACHEA. They include the largest two primary bronchi which branch out into secondary bronchi, and tertiary bronchi which extend into BRONCHIOLES and PULMONARY ALVEOLI.	Primary Bronchi,Primary Bronchus,Secondary Bronchi,Secondary Bronchus,Tertiary Bronchi,Tertiary Bronchus,Bronchi, Primary,Bronchi, Secondary,Bronchi, Tertiary,Bronchus,Bronchus, Primary,Bronchus, Secondary,Bronchus, Tertiary
D003331	Coronary Vessels	The veins and arteries of the HEART.	Coronary Arteries,Sinus Node Artery,Coronary Veins,Arteries, Coronary,Arteries, Sinus Node,Artery, Coronary,Artery, Sinus Node,Coronary Artery,Coronary Vein,Coronary Vessel,Sinus Node Arteries,Vein, Coronary,Veins, Coronary,Vessel, Coronary,Vessels, Coronary
D006168	Guinea Pigs	A common name used for the genus Cavia. The most common species is Cavia porcellus which is the domesticated guinea pig used for pets and biomedical research.	Cavia,Cavia porcellus,Guinea Pig,Pig, Guinea,Pigs, Guinea
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D001249	Asthma	A form of bronchial disorder with three distinct components: airway hyper-responsiveness (RESPIRATORY HYPERSENSITIVITY), airway INFLAMMATION, and intermittent AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION. It is characterized by spasmodic contraction of airway smooth muscle, WHEEZING, and dyspnea (DYSPNEA, PAROXYSMAL).	Asthma, Bronchial,Bronchial Asthma,Asthmas
D013189	SRS-A	A group of LEUKOTRIENES; (LTC4; LTD4; and LTE4) that is the major mediator of BRONCHOCONSTRICTION; HYPERSENSITIVITY; and other allergic reactions. Earlier studies described a "slow-reacting substance of ANAPHYLAXIS" released from lung by cobra venom or after anaphylactic shock. The relationship between SRS-A leukotrienes was established by UV which showed the presence of the conjugated triene. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)	Slow Reacting Substance of Anaphylaxis