The synthesis of eicosanoids induced by anaphylaxis in guinea-pig isolated lungs perfused via the trachea

We have monitored the release of prostanoids and leukotrienes from isolated lungs taken from previously sensitized guinea-pigs perfused either via the pulmonary artery or via the trachea. The eicosanoids were monitored by direct radioimmunoassay and further identified by bioassay and radioimmunoassay following separation by RP-HPLC. When ovalbumin is delivered via the trachea it releases more cyclo-oxygenase products (3-fold) and lipoxygenase products (10-fold) than when delivered via the pulmonary circulation. Indomethacin enhanced leukotriene release whereas BW755C did not affect the release of leukotrienes induced by ovalbumin. These results suggest that perfusing the lungs via the trachea might be relevant for the study of anaphylaxis and other conditions in which the pathophysiological development is determined by cells closer to the alveolar surface in the lung.