Endogenous arachidonic acid metabolism by calcium ionophore stimulated ferret lungs. Effect of age, hypoxia.

We have studied the metabolism of endogenous arachidonic acid by isolated perfused lungs of ferrets when stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 at two ages, neonatal (2- to 3-week-old) and adult (greater than 6 months). We have also determined the effect of hypoxia on lung metabolism of arachidonic acid in the two age groups. Lungs were perfused with Kreb's bicarbonate buffer in a recirculating system and eicosanoid production was stimulated by addition of A23187 (5 microM). Eicosanoids produced were measured in perfusate and lung homogenate supernatant. Cyclooxygenase metabolites; PGE2, TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were measured by radioimmunoassay and 5-lipoxygenase metabolites, leukotrienes; LTB4, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 by high performance liquid chromatography. During normoxia, leukotriene production, LTC4 and LTB4, was 10- to 20-fold higher in neonatal than in adult lungs, but total amount of cyclooxygenase products measured was similar. Compared with adult lungs, neonatal lungs produced more 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, but produced less PGE2. There was no difference in TxB2 production by neonatal and adult lungs. Hypoxia increased the production of 5-lipoxygenase metabolites in adult lungs, with production of cyclooxygenase metabolites remaining unchanged, whereas hypoxia decreased all eicosanoid production in neonatal lungs. In summary, there are age-related differences in endogenous arachidonic acid metabolism by isolated ferret lungs when stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 as well as age related differences in the effect of hypoxia on endogenous arachidonic acid metabolism in ferret lungs.     

Allergen-Induced Release of Sulphidopeptide Leukotrienes (SRS-A) and LTB4 in Allergic Rhinitis

Leukotrienes are a recently discovered group of arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators. Using radioimmunoassay and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), we have identified the SRS-A sulphidopeptide leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4) in nasal washings from patients with allergic rhinitis who underwent nasal challenge with specific allergen. Smaller, but significant, amounts of LTB4 were also detected. The concentrations of nasal leukotrienes were directly related to the dose of allergen, and were recovered in washings in a time-dependent fashion after challenge. When the patients were subjected to methacholine nasal challenge on a control day, we found only negligible amounts of either the sulphidopeptide leukotrienes or LTB4. These findings support the view that LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 might contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis as a result of their recognized effects on mucous hypersecretion and vasopermeability, and that the potent chemoattractant LTB4 might be involved in the subsequent infiltration of inflammatory cells.     

Effect of thiol-activated toxins (streptolysin O, alveolysin, and theta toxin) on the generation of leukotrienes and leukotriene-inducing and -metabolizing enzymes from human polymorphonuclear granulocytes.

The generation of leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, LTE4, and LTB4; 12-epi-LTB4 isomer) from human granulocytes by thiol-activated toxins (streptolysin O, alveolysin from Bacillus alvei, and theta toxin from Clostridium perfringens) is described. The release occurs under noncytolytic conditions. Although LTB4 is the major component after calcium ionophore stimulation, more LTC4 as compared with LTB4 is released with the toxins. The 5-lipoxygenase pathway of toxin-mediated activation can effectively be inhibited by caffeic acid, a lipoxygenase inhibitor. The toxins also induce the release of leukotriene-metabolizing enzymes such as gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, which transfers LTC4 into LTD4, and dipeptidase, which metabolizes LTD4, into LTE4. Dipeptidase activity is more pronounced than the gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity but still does not reach the levels obtained when cells were triggered with opsonized zymosan.     

Differential effects of leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4 in the pulmonary and systemic vasculature of sheep

We investigated the comparative direct and cyclooxygenase-mediated effects of the constituents of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), i.e., leukotriene C4 (LTC4), leukotriene D4 (LTD4) and leukotriene E4 (LTE4) on pulmonary and systemic haemodynamics of sheep. In 20 conscious sheep, measurements of pulmonary vascular resistance (Rpv) and systemic vascular resistance (Rsv) were obtained before and after a rapid intravenous injection of LTC4 (0.1 micrograms X kg-1), LTD4 (0.1 micrograms X kg-1) and LTE4 (1 microgram X kg-1). The same protocol was carried out after pretreatment with the leukotriene antagonist FPL-57231 or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. LTD4 increased mean Rpv to 421% of baseline (p less than 0.001) and had a biphasic effect on mean Rsv, which, following an initial decrease of 18% (p less than 0.05), increased to 143% of baseline (p less than 0.05). LTC4 and LTE4 had no significant effects on Rpv, while they increased mean Rsv to 144% and 143% of baseline, respectively (p less than 0.05). This effect was not preceded by a decrease in Rsv. FPL-57231 completely blocked the effects of LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 on Rsv, and of LTD4 on Rpv. Indomethacin had no effect on LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4-induced increases in mean Rsv, while it prevented the LTD4-induced initial decrease in mean Rsv. Indomethacin also prevented the LTD4-induced increase in Rpv. A dose-response curve (0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 microgram X kg-1) demonstrated that in raising Rsv, LTE4 was approximately 10 times less potent than LTC4 and LTD4.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Endogenous arachidonic acid metabolism by calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated lamb lungs: effect of hypoxia

We have determined eicosanoid production from endogenous arachidonic acid by neonatal lamb lungs stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 during normoxia and hypoxia. Lungs of lambs 19 to 25 d of age were isolated and perfused with cell-free Krebs' bicarbonate buffer at a flow rate of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min. After 30 min of equilibration in a recirculating system, A23187 was added to the perfusate in a 5-microM concentration and perfusion continued for 15 min more. Eicosanoids were measured in perfusate and lung homogenate supernatant. Cyclooxygenase metabolites prostaglandin (PG) E2, thromboxane A2, and PGI2, were measured by radioimmunoassay, and 5-lipoxygenase metabolites leukotrienes (LT) B4, C4, D4, and E4 by high performance liquid chromatography. During normoxia, all three cyclooxygenase metabolites were present in perfusate, but only PGI2 and thromboxane A2 were present in lung homogenate supernatant. Prostacyclin constituted 50% of all the cyclooxygenase products measured. LTC4 and LTD4 were detected in both perfusate and lung homogenate supernatant with little production of LTE4 and LTB4. During hypoxia, the profile of cyclooxygenase products was unchanged and prostacyclin production was not increased. However, the profile of leukotriene metabolites was altered. LTC4 synthesis was markedly reduced. The synthesis of LTE4 and LTB4 was increased 10-fold, with most of the leukotrienes being retained in lung tissue. We conclude that hypoxia significantly alters leukotriene metabolism of endogenous arachidonic acid by calcium ionophore-stimulated lungs. The increased production by stimulated lungs during hypoxia of LTE4, a substance that may increase lung capillary permeability, and that of LTB4, a powerful chemoattractant, may be important contributing factors to lung injury.     

Immunological and non-immunological release of leukotrienes and histamine by guinea-pig heart

Fragments of sensitized guinea-pig heart (1 g wet weight) were incubated with 5 micrograms/ml of antigen for up to 30 min, and the incubation media were analysed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) for the presence of leukotrienes LTB4, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4. Maximum release of LTB4, LTC4 and LTD4 was observed after 15 min (32.8 +/- 4, 8 +/- 2 and 9.5 +/- 2.5 pmol/g tissue wet weight, respectively, mean +/- SEM). At the same time, histamine was also released, reaching a maximum at 5 min (290 +/- 63 pmol/g tissue) as determined by radioenzymatic assay. Similarly, the non-sensitized guinea-pig heart stimulated with the ionophore A23187 (4 microM) released LTB4, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4, as well as the 5-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), 12-HETE, and 15-HETE as determined by RP-HPLC. The release of LTB4, LTC4 and LTD4 was at a maximum after 10-15 min of stimulation (63 +/- 8.4, 10.7 +/- 2 and 17.5 +/- 4 pmol/g tissue). The ionophore also stimulated the release of histamine in heart tissue, with a peak maximum after 5 min (325 +/- 77 pmol/g tissue). These data demonstrate that heart as well as pulmonary tissues release significant amounts of leukotrienes and histamine during immunological or non-immunological challenges.     

Role of imbalance of eicosanoid pathways and staphylococcal superantigens in chronic rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial disease of the upper airways with a high prevalence (approximately 11%) in the general population. Different immune and inflammatory mechanisms are involved in its pathogenesis. Alterations in the arachidonic acid pathway (leading to an imbalanced production of eicosanoids) have been linked to the pathophysiology of different diseases especially nasal polyposis, asthma, and aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease. Furthermore, viral and bacterial infections have been identified as important factors amplifying the pro‐inflammatory reactions in these pathologies. This review summarizes the impact of an imbalance in the eicosanoid pathway and the effect of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins on the regulation of the pro‐inflammatory network in CRS and their translation into disease severity.     

Role of leukotrienes in rat reversed passive Arthus pleurisy and the effect of AA-861, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor

In studies of the role of leukotrienes in inflammatory reactions, the induction of rat reversed passive Arthus pleurisy (a type III allergic reaction) was employed. Increases of exudate volume, vascular permeability, and migration of inflammatory cells in the pleural cavity were observed. The vascular permeability was enhanced biphasically during 0-30 min (early response) and during 3-6 h (late response) after induction of the pleurisy. The infiltration of inflammatory cells, mainly polymorphonuclear leukocytes, into the cavity increased and reached a maximum 6 h after the pleurisy was induced. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), 5-monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), and slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), consisting of LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4, were detected in the exudate by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography during the early response. The contents of LTC4 reached a maximum 10 min after the challenge, followed by a rapid decrease within 1 h. The rise and decay of LTC4 correlated with the increase in vascular permeability during the early phase. AA-861, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, given intrapleurally inhibited the increase in vascular permeability, cell migration, and generation of leukotrienes during the early phase of the pleurisy. These results indicate that products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, such as LTC4 and LTB4, may play an important role as chemical mediators in the inflammatory reaction.     

Inhibition of leukotriene C4 and B4 generation by human eosinophils and neutrophils with the lipoxygenase pathway inhibitors U60257 and BW755C

Human eosinophils and neutrophils have the capacity to generate leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) respectively when stimulated by calcium ionophore A23187. Leukotriene production by mixtures of these cell types was measured by radioimmunoassay for LTC4 and LTB4, and the specificities of the assays determined by assessing cross-reactivities with a number of other arachidonic acid metabolites. The IC50S for LTC4 and LTB4 in their respective assays were 1.76 +/- 0.04 nmol and 3.00 +/- 0.08 nmol. Cross-reactivity for anti-LTC4 was shown by leukotriene D4 (LTD4) (70%) and leukotriene E4 (LTE4) (8%), when compared to LTC4, whereas in the radioimmunoassay for LTB4, only the 5(S), 12(R) 6-trans isomer of LTB4 showed appreciable interaction (12%). LTC4 production by eosinophil enriched cell fractions obtained from metrizamide gradients was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by the prostacyclin analogue, 6,9-deepoxy-6,9-phenylimino-delta 6,8-prostaglandin I, (U60257) and by 3-amino-1-(3-trifluoromethyl phenyl)-2-pyrazole (BW755C). The ID50 values for U60257 and BW755C were 2 X 10(-6) and 5 X 10(-6) M respectively. This demonstration of LTC4 production by human eosinophils, which are known to be important cells in clinical asthma, provides an in vitro model to assess 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors in human tissue.     

Analysis of the leukotriene D4 receptor in the granulation tissue of allergic inflammation in rats.

Leukotriene (LT) D4 receptor in the granulation tissue formed in the air pouch-type allergic inflammation model in rats was analyzed. Membrane preparation of the granulation tissue obtained 3-9 days after the antigen challenge has specific binding sites of [3H]LTD4. Scatchard analysis showed that the affinity (Kd) and the density (Bmax) were not changed among the granulation tissue obtained 3-9 days after the antigen challenge. The Kd value in the granulation tissue (0.90 +/- 0.12 nM) was close to that in the rat lung (1.00 +/- 0.24 nM) and the guinea pig lung (0.86 nM). On the other hand, Bmax (62 +/- 8 fmol/mg protein) in the granulation tissue was higher than that in the rat lung (21 +/- 4 fmol/mg protein) but was far less than that in the guinea pig lung (405 fmol/mg protein). LTC4 and LTE4 inhibited the binding of [3H]LTD4 to the membrane preparation of the granulation tissue in a concentration-dependent manner. IC50 of LTC4 and LTE4 were 1 x 10(-7) and 2 x 10(-7) M, respectively. A guanine nucleotide, guanyl-5'-yl-imido-diphosphate (GppNHp), reduced [3H]LTD4 binding to the membrane preparation of the granulation tissue suggesting that LTD4 receptors in the granulation tissue are associated with G proteins. These results indicate that LTD4 binding sites in the granulation tissue are high affinity receptors for LTD4. A possible role of LTD4 in the recurrence of allergic inflammation in the chronic phase is discussed.     

Cysteinyl leukotrienes induce human eosinophil locomotion and adhesion molecule expression via a CysLT1 receptor-mediated mechanism

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms involved in eosinophil recruitment by cysteinyl-leukotrienes (CysLTs) remain to be defined. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether CysLTs LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 could directly stimulate in vitro adhesion molecule expression and cell locomotion of blood eosinophils from atopic asthmatic donors. METHODS: Mab staining and FACS analysis were used to evaluate Mac-1 and LFA-1 expression on eosinophils before and after CysLTs stimulation. Eosinophil locomotion was tested using a 48-well Boyden microchamber. RESULTS: CysLTs, at the concentrations of 1 and 10 nM, were able to significantly up-regulate Mac-1 expression (P < 0.05, each comparison) but not LFA-1 expression (P > 0.05, each comparison). A dose-dependent, eosinophil chemotaxis was also induced by LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 (0.1-10 nM) (P < 0.01, each comparison). Montelukast (0.01 nM to 10 nM), a specific CysLT1 receptor antagonist, significantly down-regulated LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4-induced Mac-1 expression (P < 0.01, each comparison) and the CysLT-induced eosinophil migration (P < 0.01, each comparison). In contrast, montelukast did not affect Mac-1 expression or cell migration when eosinophils were stimulated by the 'non-specific activators', such as fMLP or C5a (P > 0.05, each comparison). CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that CysLTs are active in vitro in directly up-regulating human eosinophil functions involved in eosinophil recruitment. The down-regulation of Mac-1 expression and eosinophil chemotaxis by the potent and selective CysLT1 receptor antagonist montelukast indicated the specificity of the LTC4-, LTD4- and LTE4-induced response.     

Cysteinyl leukotrienes induce IL-4 release from cord blood-derived human eosinophils

BACKGROUND: Eosinophils contain preformed stores of IL-4 within their cytoplasmic granules, but physiologic stimuli to release IL-4 from eosinophils are not yet defined. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) could elicit IL-4 release from eosinophils. METHODS: We used a dual-antibody capture and detection assay (EliCell) for IL-4 release and used eosinophils differentiated in vitro from human cord blood-derived progenitors. RESULTS: Leukotriene (LT) C4, LTD4, and LTE4 each elicited the rapid, vesicular transport-mediated, dose- and time-dependent release of IL-4 from eosinophils. Both LTD4 and LTE4 evoked similar and earlier IL-4 release than LTC4. LTC4 did not act directly but only after conversion to LTD4 because an inhibitor of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, acivicin, blocked LTC4-induced IL-4 release. MK571 and LY171833, receptor antagonists for CysLT1 and not CysLT2, and pertussis toxin inhibited LTC4-, LTD4-, and LTE4-induced IL-4 release. Cord blood-differentiated eosinophils contained CysLT1 protein detectable by means of immunoblotting. CONCLUSION: CysLTs acting through G(i) protein-coupled and MK571- and LY171833-inhibitable receptors on cord blood-derived human eosinophils can act as autocrine or paracrine mediators to stimulate the rapid, nonexocytotic release of preformed IL-4.     

Production of Leukotrienes in Human Skin and Conjunctival Mucosa after Specific Allergen Challenge

The production of leukotrienes has been monitored in tear fluids from subjects following a conjunctival provocation test, and skin blister fluids following initiation of a Prausnitz-Kustner reaction. In tear fluids elevated levels of leukotriene C4 (LTC4)-immunoreactive material were measured following allergen challenge as compared to control tear fluid obtained by mechanical or reflex stimulation. Analysis by high performance liquid chromatography indicated the presence of LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4. In the skin, significantly elevated levels of LTC4-immunoreactive material were measured following allergen challenge in the Prausnitz-Kustner reaction. HPLC analysis indicated the presence of both LTC4 and LTD4. LTB4 immunoreactive material was detected both in the tear fluid and the skin tissue fluid. However, no significant increase occurred in either tissue after the allergic reactions. These results indicate that the SRS-A leukotrienes are released in vivo in man following allergen challenge, and indicate these mediators may be important in human allergic diseases.     

Possible involvement of mast-cell activation in aspirin provocation of aspirin-induced asthma

BACKGROUND: Although there is increasing evidence of the importance of cysteinyl leukotrienes (LT) as mediators of aspirin-induced bronchoconstriction in aspirin-sensitive asthma, the cellular origin of the LT is not yet clear. METHODS: Urinary concentrations of leukotriene E4 (LTE4), 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F2, and Ntau-methylhistamine were measured during the 24 h following cumulative intravenous administration of increasing doses of lysine aspirin to asthmatic patients. In addition, the urinary concentrations of these metabolites were measured on 5 consecutive days in a patient who suffered an asthma attack after percutaneous administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. RESULTS: In aspirin-induced asthma patients (AIA, n=10), the basal concentration of urinary LTE4, but not the other metabolites, was significantly higher than that in aspirin-tolerant asthma patients (ATA, n=10). After intravenous aspirin provocation, the AIA group showed a 13.1-fold (geometric mean) increase in excretion of LTE4 during the first 3 h, and 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F2 also increased in the AIA group during the first 0-3 h and the 3-6 h collection period. Ntau-methylhistamine excretion was also increased, but to a lesser degree. Administration of aspirin caused significant suppression of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 excretion in both the AIA and ATA groups. When the percentage of maximum increase of each metabolite from the baseline concentrations was compared between the AIA group and the ATA group, a significantly higher increase in excretion of LTE4, 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F2, and Ntau-methylhistamine was observed in the AIA group than the ATA group. An increased excretion of LTE4 and 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F2 has been detected in a patient who suffered an asthma attack after percutaneous administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that human lung mast cells are capable of producing LTC4, prostaglandin D2, and histamine, our present results support the concept that mast cells, at least, may participate in the development of aspirin-induced asthma.     

Expression of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathway enzymes in nasal polyps of patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma

In aspirin-intolerant subjects, adverse bronchial and nasal reactions to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors are associated with over-production of cysteinyl-leukotrienes (cys-LTs) generated by the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway. In the bronchi of patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma, we previously linked cys-LT over-production and aspirin hyper-reactivity with elevated immunoexpression in eosinophils of the terminal enzyme for cys-LT production, LTC4 synthase. We investigated whether this anomaly also occurs in the nasal airways of these patients. Immunohistochemical expression of 5-LO and COX pathway proteins was quantified in nasal polyps from 12 patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma and 13 with aspirin-tolerant asthma. In the mucosa of polyps from aspirin-intolerant asthmatic patients, cells immunopositive for LTC4 synthase were four-fold more numerous than in aspirin-tolerant asthmatic patients (p=0.04). There were also three-fold more cells expressing 5-LO (p=0.037), with no differences in 5-LO activating protein (FLAP), COX-1 or COX-2. LTC4 synthase-positive cell counts correlated exclusively with mucosal eosinophils (r=0.94, p<0.001, n=25). Co-localisation confirmed that five-fold higher eosinophil counts (p=0.007) accounted for the increased LTC4 synthase expression in polyps from aspirin-intolerant asthmatic patients, with no alterations in mast cells or macrophages. Within the epithelium, increased counts of eosinophils (p=0.006), macrophages (p=0.097), and mast cells (p=0.034) in aspirin-intolerant asthmatic polyps were associated only with 2.5-fold increased 5-LO-positive cells (p<0.05), while the other enzymes were not different. Our results indicate that a marked over-representation of LTC4 synthase in mucosal eosinophils is closely linked to aspirin intolerance in the nasal airway, as in the bronchial airways.     

Urinary leukotriene E4 levels during early and late asthmatic responses

The sulphidopeptide leukotrienes C4 and D4 (LTC4, LTD4) are potent bronchoconstrictor mediators, released from human lung fragments after challenge with specific allergens in vitro. The purpose of this study was to measure urinary LTE4 (metabolite of LTC4 and LTD4) in subjects undergoing inhalation challenges with allergens or occupational sensitizing agents in the laboratory. Eighteen subjects with previously documented isolated early asthmatic responses (EARs), isolated late asthmatic responses (LARs), or dual (both early and late) asthmatic responses were studied. Urinary LTE4 levels increased in subjects who developed either isolated EARs (mean fall in FEV1, 27.98%) or early responses preceding LARs (mean fall in FEV1, 15.01%). The baseline levels of LTE4 were 150.26 (SEM, 49.5) pg/mg of creatinine in the isolated responders and 66.60 (SEM, 13.5) pg/mg of creatinine in the dual responders. These levels increased to 1816 (SEM, 606.1) pg/mg of creatinine (p = 0.041) and 174.80 (SEM, 40.1) pg/mg of creatinine (p = 0.025), respectively, after the EAR. The degree of maximal bronchoconstriction during the EAR correlated with the levels of LTE4 (r = 0.68; p = 0.001). No significant increase in urinary LTE4 levels occurred during the LAR. These results suggest that the LTE4 precursors, LTC4 and LTD4, are important bronchoconstrictor mediators causing EARs after allergen inhalation.     

Generation and Metabolism of Leukotrienes and Release of Histamine from Human Dispersed Tonsillar Cells

We studied the generation and metabolism of leukotrienes (LT) and the release of histamine by human tonsillar cell suspensions. Human tonsils were dissected and mechanically dispersed. This procedure yielded a single cell suspension with 1.6 +/- 0.5 X 10(8) cells/g tissue consisting of 97.3 +/- 0.4% lymphocytes, 1.4 +/- 0.3% granulocytes, 1.3 +/- 0.3% macrophages/monocytes, and 0.03 +/- 0.02% mast cells/basophils. The cells were stimulated either with Ca-ionophore A 23187, melittin, or anti-human IgE. Determination of the 5-lipoxygenase products LTB4 and LTC4 was performed with specific radioimmunoassays (RIA), and histamine release was measured by the fluorophotometric technique. A time- and dose-dependent release of the mediators was monitored. LTB4 exceeded the amount of LTC4 in the supernatants. The concentration of leukotrienes ranged between 0.8 and 5.4 ng LTB4/1 X 10(8) cells or 0.5 and 1.5 ng LTC4/1 X 10(8) cells, depending on the stimulus. Histamine release after stimulation ranged between 25 and 35% of the total histamine content, whereas buffer controls amounted to 17%. The incubation of the cells (1 X 10(8) with exogenously added LTB4 resulted in the formation of omega-oxidated products (20-OH and 20-COOH-LTB4) and a novel unpolar metabolite, as identified by thin layer chromatography. This metabolite was not immunoreactive in the LTB4-RIA used. LTC4 and LTD4 were converted into LTE4 when added either to sonicated cells or to the cell-free supernatants of prestimulated tonsillar cells, indicating the release of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and dipeptidase, respectively. Our data clearly demonstrate the generation and metabolism of the 5-lipoxygenase products LTB4 and LTC4 as well as the release of histamine from human dispersed tonsillar cells, suggesting that they have a modulatory function with respect to the inflammatory potential at local sites.     

Role of lipoxins A4 and B4 in the generation of arachidonic acid metabolites by rat mast cells and their effect on [3H]serotonin release.

Basophils located in tissues are called mast cells and are found in connective tissue. Many different compounds are secreted from basophil granules upon appropriate stimulation. Products such as heparin, histamine, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), and membrane-derived materials which give rise to arachidonic acid metabolites, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, are some of the more important compounds released by mast cells. These compounds, when released after stimulation with a variety of molecules, such as IgE, specific antigen anaphylotoxin, as well as the compound 48/80 (C48/80) or calcium ionophore A23187, cause contraction of endothelial cells and mediate atopic or anaphylactic hypersensitivity. In this report, we study the generation of some arachidonic acid products, namely leukotrienes C4, D4, E4, and B4 and the prostaglandins D2 and E2 by rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC), using calcium ionophore A23187 as a degranulating agonist. We have also studied the new lipoxygenase products, lipoxins A4 and B4, on RPMC secretion using C48/80 as a secretagogue. A rat basophilic leukemia cell line (RBL) was also used to compare results with RPMC. In this paper we have demonstrated that RPMC stimulated with A23187 release LTC4, LTD4, LTE4 and LTB4 and also PGD2 but not PGE2. These results were also confirmed when RBLs were used. In addition, we have shown that mast cells pretreated with LTC4, LTD4, LTE4 or 15-HETE do not modify the release of [3H]5HT exerted by C48/80 (0.5 microgram/ml) or A23187 (5 micrograms/ml). When LXA4 or B4 was used, mast cells were inhibited slightly (not statistically significant) from degranulating after the secretagogue treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of cations on leukotriene release: requirements for the metabolism of peptido-leukotrienes (leukotrienes C4, D4) by human polymorphonuclear granulocytes

Stimulation of human polymorphonuclear granulocytes with opsonized zymosan leads to a time-dependent release of the leukotrienes LTB4, 6-trans-LTB4, 12-epi-6-trans-LTB4 and LTC4 measured by HPLC analysis and LTC4 radioimmunoassay. The amounts of leukotrienes released on stimulation with opsonized zymosan are lower than those obtained with the calcium ionophore A23187. Opsonized zymosan as stimulus required higher calcium concentrations to obtain optimal leukotriene release as compared with the calcium ionophore. Magnesium in the presence of calcium increased the leukotriene formation with opsonized zymosan. Addition of the peptido-leukotrienes LTC4, LTD4 to the unseparated, opsonized zymosan-prestimulated cell suspension leads to the generation of 6-trans-LTB4, 12-epi-6-trans-LTB4 and a metabolite which is more polar than LTC4. The rate of LTC4 metabolism is strongly dependent on the time of prestimulation as well as on the stimuli used for cell triggering, e.g. opsonized zymosan, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, calcium ionophore A23187 or formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. Inhibitors of the oxidative burst decreased LTC4 metabolism. Thus, the peptido-leukotriene LTC4 is metabolized by two pathways: the enzymes gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase and dipeptidase transform LTC4 into LTD4 and LTE4; these enzymes are present within the supernatants of stimulated cells; transformation of LTC4 into LTB4-isomers occurs in the presence of stimulated cells.     

Inhibitory effect of amlexanox (AA-673) on the immunological and non-immunological release of histamine or leukotrienes

The effect of amlexanox on the non-immunological or immunological release of histamine or leukotrienes (LTs) from passively sensitized human lung fragments and atopic human leukocytes was investigated and compared with those of AA-861, tranilast, azelastine and disodium cromoglycate. 1) Amlexanox at concentrations of 10(-7)-10(-4) M showed an inhibition of histamine, LTB4, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 release from passively sensitized human lung fragments in a concentration-dependent fashion. A selective and competitive inhibitor of the 5-lipoxygenase activity, AA-861 modestly affected the histamine release and potently suppressed the any LT release at 10(-7) and 10(-6) M. Antiallergic drugs, tranilast and disodium cromoglycate also suppressed these chemical mediator release, but the inhibition potency was somewhat weaker than that of amlexanox. 2) Ca ionophore A23187-induced release of LTB4 and LTC4 from atopic human leukocytes was slightly enhanced up to 10(-6) M of amlexanox. However, 10(-4) M of the drug strongly diminished both of LT release. From these results, it is suggested that amlexanox is a clinically effective drug for atopic diseases, especially allergic asthma and rhinitis.