Abstract |
Leukotrienes are biological active lipids produced from arachidonic acid in cell membrane by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase. During anaphylaxis, large amounts of leukotrienes are generated in the lungs, causing bronchoconstriction. Leukotrienes exacerbate asthma in different ways including cellular infiltration, chemotaxis aggregation, and degranulation ( LTB4), as well as airway constriction, vasopermeability, mucous hypersecretion, mucosal edema and reduced mucociliary clearance ( LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4). It is expected that 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors are effective in bronchial asthma by blocking leukotriene synthesis, and its indication is chronic therapy to prevent symptoms of bronchospasm. Zileuton is the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor most advanced in clinical development. As bronchial asthma is thought to be provoked by a variety of causes, therapeutic drug should be selected according to the state of the disease.
|
Authors | R Tanaka |
Journal | Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine
(Nihon Rinsho)
Vol. 54
Issue 11
Pg. 3040-4
(Nov 1996)
ISSN: 0047-1852 [Print] Japan |
PMID | 8950951
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
|
Chemical References |
- Arachidonic Acids
- Lipoxygenase Inhibitors
- Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase
- zileuton
- Hydroxyurea
|
Topics |
- Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase
(physiology)
- Arachidonic Acids
(metabolism)
- Asthma
(drug therapy, etiology)
- Humans
- Hydroxyurea
(analogs & derivatives, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Lipoxygenase Inhibitors
|