Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a dihydroxy fatty acid derived from arachidonic acid through the 5-LO pathway.1,2,3 It promotes a number of leukocyte functions including aggregation, stimulation of ion fluxes, enhancement of lysosomal enzyme release, superoxide anion production, chemotaxis, and chemokinesis. In subnanomolar ranges (3.9 x 10−10 M), LTB4 causes chemotaxis and chemokinesis in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.4 At higher concentrations, (1.0 x 10−7 M), LTB4 leads to neutrophil aggregation and degranulation as well as superoxide anion production.4,5
1
Rådmark, O., Malmsten, C., Samuelsson, B., et al. Leukotriene A: Stereochemistry and enzymatic conversion to leukotriene B. Biochem Biophys Res Commun92954-961(1980).
2
Ford-Hutchinson, A.W., Bray, M.A., Doig, M.V., et al. Leukotriene B, a potent chemokinetic and aggregating substance released from polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Nature286264-265(1980).
3
McGee, J., and Fitzpatrick, F. Enzymatic hydration of leukotriene A4. J Biol Chem26012832-12837(1985).
4
Ford-Hutchinson, A.W. Leukotriene B4 in inflammation. Crit Rev Immunol101-12(1990).
5
McMillan, R.M., and Foster, S.J. Leukotriene B4 and inflammatory disease. Agents Actions24114-119(1988).
Ford-Hutchinson, A.W. Leukotriene B4 in inflammation. Crit Rev Immunol101-12(1990).
Rådmark, O., Malmsten, C., Samuelsson, B., et al. Leukotriene A: Stereochemistry and enzymatic conversion to leukotriene B. Biochem Biophys Res Commun92954-961(1980).
Ford-Hutchinson, A.W., Bray, M.A., Doig, M.V., et al. Leukotriene B, a potent chemokinetic and aggregating substance released from polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Nature286264-265(1980).
McMillan, R.M., and Foster, S.J. Leukotriene B4 and inflammatory disease. Agents Actions24114-119(1988).
McGee, J., and Fitzpatrick, F. Enzymatic hydration of leukotriene A4. J Biol Chem26012832-12837(1985).