Endothelin-1 stimulates arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase activity and oxygen radical formation in the rat distal lung

We investigated the effects of intravenous bolus of endothelin-1 on the metabolism of eicosanoids and oxygen radicals in the distal lung unit of the rat. Intravenous bolus of endothelin-1 caused a significant increase in 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and oxygen radicals produced by the bronchoalveolar cells. Endothelin-1 exhibited a stimulatory effect on the 15-lipoxygenase activity in the lung homogenate. Thus, endothelin-1 may contribute to the inflammatory and hyperreactive process of lungs, by enhancing the release of 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and oxygen radicals in the distal lung unit.