Leukotriene E4 and granulocytic infiltration into asthmatic airways.

Abstract

Sulphidopeptide leukotrienes are potent bronchoconstrictors and increase bronchial hyperreactivity, one of the hallmarks of asthma. We have demonstrated that leukotriene LTE4, the most stable of the sulphidopeptide leukotrienes, elicited an increase in the numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils in the lamina propria of the airway mucosa 4 h after inhalation in 4 asthmatic subjects. The numbers of eosinophils were, on average, 10-fold greater than those of neutrophils. There was no significant change in numbers of lymphocytes, plasma cells, mast cells, or macrophages. Since LTE4 recruits granulocytes, the potential of antisulphidopeptide leukotriene drugs as anti-inflammatory and "steroid-sparing" agents should be tested.

• Authors: L A Laitinen, A Laitinen, T Haahtela, V Vilkka, B W Spur, T H Lee
• Journal: Lancet (London, England) (Lancet) Vol. 341 Issue 8851 Pg. 989-90 (Apr 17 1993) ISSN: 0140-6736 [Print] England
• PMID: 8096945 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• SRS-A
• Methacholine Chloride
• Leukotriene E4

Topics

• Adult
• Asthma (immunology)
• Bronchial Provocation Tests
• Eosinophils (drug effects)
• Female
• Granulocytes (drug effects)
• Humans
• Leukotriene E4
• Male
• Methacholine Chloride (pharmacology)
• Middle Aged
• Mucous Membrane (immunology)
• Neutrophils (drug effects)
• SRS-A (analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)