Flavonoids, leucocyte migration and eicosanoids

Quercetin reduced the concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in the pleural exudate induced in rats by 1% carrageenan given intrapleurally. Leucocyte migration in the exudate was also reduced by the flavonoid. Inhibition of eicosanoids and leucocytes in the exudate was dose-related. Quercetin also reduced LTB4 synthesis in cells stimulated with ionophore A23187, either ex-vivo or in-vitro. A similar, though less active, mode of action was found with quercitrin, while apigenin and luteolin reduced leucocyte accumulation and PGE2 formation, but not LTB4-formation.