Biosynthesis and functions of leukotriene C4

1. The LTC4 synthase activity is rich in the microsomal fraction of the guinea pig spleen and lung. The enzyme was partially purified from the guinea pig lung and separated from the microsomal glutathione S-transferase (GST), by column chromatograpy. The enzyme has a specific activity of 40 nmol/min.mg, and acts preferentially on 5, 6-LTA4. Various types of cytosolic GSTs utilize all types of LTA4 isomers (5,6-, 11,12- and 14,15-LTA4) almost to the same extent, and methyl ester forms are better substrates for GST. 2. Two different types of GSTs (Yn1n1 and P) were purified from rat brain cytosol, to homogeneity. Because both types have a high LTC4 synthase activity, they may participate in the LTC4 production in the rat brain. 3. LTC4, produced in the guinea pig atrium, stimulates pertussis toxin (IAP)-sensitive muscarinic K+ channel (IK.ACh). The negative chronotropic action of alpha 1-adrenergic agonist might relate to the production of arachidonate lipoxygenase metabolites. These results together with the findings in Aplysia sensory neurons, suggest a novel mode of eicosanoid actions.