title: Biological actions of leukotrienes. State of the art lecture.
abstract: Leukotrienes are novel mediators derived from arachidonic acid through the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme system. Leukotriene B4 has potent effects on leukocyte function and in vivo induces leukocyte accumulation and changes in vascular permeability and modulates pain responses. Peptido-lipid leukotrienes are potent smooth muscle--contracting agents. They may have important cardiovascular actions through mechanisms involving either vasoconstriction or indirect vasodilatation. Evidence for leukotriene production has been found in subjects with allergic conditions and psoriasis, indicating a putative role for these substances in human disease.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001091:Arachidonate Lipoxygenases; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D007975:Leukotriene B4 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016859:Lipoxygenase Inhibitors; D013189:SRS-A / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D016859:Lipoxygenase Inhibitors; D013189:SRS-A; D007975:Leukotriene B4; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D001091:Arachidonate Lipoxygenases