title: Catecholamines inhibit leukotriene formation and decrease leukotriene/prostaglandin ratio.
abstract: Adrenaline, noradrenaline, isoprenaline, and to a lesser extent dopamine inhibit the release of leukotriene (LT) B2 from calcium ionophore-stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, while the release of prostaglandin (PG) E2 is proportionally elevated. The inactivity of salbutamol, a noncatechol adrenergic beta 2-receptor agonist, and the inability of propranolol to antagonize the effects of adrenaline, suggest the mediation through beta-receptor independent mechanisms. Neither are alpha-1-receptors involved, as prazosin, a specific antagonist, fails to inhibit the reaction. As the principles for biochemical regulation of LT- and PG-production are met by catecholamines in several tissues, the mechanism is considered to be of general physiological importance. Catecholamines may function as coenzymes/antioxidants which, by altering the redox state of the enzyme iron or heme, decrease the LT/PG ratio thus protecting the organism against tissue anaphylaxis and other LT-related pathophysiology.
authors.affiliation: Leiras, Clinical Research, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Parantainen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alanko
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moilanen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Metsä-Ketelä
authors.forename: M Z
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Asmawi
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vapaatalo
mesh_terms: D000420:Albuterol / Q000494:pharmacology; D002109:Caffeic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D000001:Calcimycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D015289:Leukotrienes / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
chemical_list: D002109:Caffeic Acids; D002395:Catecholamines; D015289:Leukotrienes; D000001:Calcimycin; D015232:Dinoprostone; D000420:Albuterol; C040048:caffeic acid