Role of eicosanoids in human and experimental colitis.
Prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes (collectively called eicosanoids) are increased at sites of inflammation and contribute to the manifestations of inflammation, such as hyperemia, hyperalgesia, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Inhibition of eicosanoid production is the basic mechanism of action of corticosteroids and of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Eicosanoid synthesis is also increased in human and experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Leukotriene B4 is the most potent proinflammatory eicosanoid, and in vivo production of this compound is the predominant eicosanoid in colitis. Recent experimental data demonstrate that selective inhibition of leukotrienes may be a therapeutic strategy to reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease.
Schumert
R
R
Division of Gastroenterology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance 90502.
Towner
J
J
Zipser
R D
RD
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D003092:Colitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007975:Leukotriene B4 / Q000502:physiology*; D011448:Prostaglandin Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000502:physiology*; D013189:SRS-A / Q000502:physiology*; D013931:Thromboxanes / Q000502:physiology*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D011448:Prostaglandin Antagonists; D011453:Prostaglandins; D013189:SRS-A; D013931:Thromboxanes; D007975:Leukotriene B4; D016718:Arachidonic Acid