Induction of plasma exudation and inflammatory cell infiltration by leukotriene C4 and leukotriene B4 in mouse peritonitis

Leukotriene induction of the fluid and cellular phases of the inflammatory response in the mouse was evaluated. Intraperitoneal injection of leukotriene C₄ (LTC₄ 250 ng) led to dye extravasation but not polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration, whereas injection of leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄ 250 ng), led to PMN infiltration but not dye extravasation. The injection of both leukotrienes did not result in synergy. LTC₄ did not appear to induce significant release or formation of chemotactic mediators, but the dye extravasation induced by LTC₄ was inhibited by the vasoactive amine antagonist cyproheptadine and not by the eicosanoid inhibitors phenidone or naproxen. The response was markedly inhibited by the cytokine and eicosanoid inhibitors SK&F 86002 and SK&F 104493. PMN infiltration induced by LTB₄ was not inhibited by SK&F 86002 or phenidone but was abrogated by colchicine treatment. LTB₄ in this model did not appear to cause release or formation of vasoactive mediators. These leukotrienes appeared to be independent, complementary, and sufficient to mount a complete inflammatory response in the mouse.