Novel molecules that antagonize leukotriene B4 binding to neutrophils

A series of LTB4 analogues have been synthesized that replace carbons 7-9 of the cis-trans-trans triene unit of LTB4 with a stable ring structure. Meta-substituted pyridine analogues are more potent inhibitors than benzene or furan analogues. C-1 alcohols are often more potent inhibitors than free carboxylic acids, and 5,6-cis double bond compounds are more potent than 5,6-trans compounds. Compounds such as these may prove to be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.