Leukotriene release

Leukotriene release

Cell membranes contain important mechanisms for starting inflammatory responses. After a stimulus has evoked an initial response, activation of arachidonic acid (A.A.) leads to stimulation of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) and lipo-oxygenase (L.O.) which leads to activation of prostaglandins and leukotrienes respectively (the COX enzyme and the prostaglandins are not shown).

Leukotriene receptors (L)mediate the effects of leukotrienes on other cells. Leukotrienes have animportant role in the asthmatic inflammatory response.

1

Arachidonic acid mediates the production of prostaglandins as well as leukotrienes.

2

Leukotrienes are pro-inflammatory.