Conference summary: lipid mediators in the pulmonary circulation

Material presented and discussed at this conference is evidence of intense interest in the roles of lipid mediators in lung pathophysiology. This interest derives from the fact that these mediators are manufactured in abundance in response to many stimuli and from the fact that lipid mediators can effect structure and function of lungs and their component cells; whether these chemicals do effect dysfunction of the lungs in humans or act to preserve normal lung function is not yet resolved. However, major advances are being made and, even now, clinical trials of therapies based on experimental rationales suggested by the data discussed at this conference appear justified.