Primary rat astroglial cultures can generate leukotriene B4

Astrocytes are important elements of cellular immune responses in the central nervous system. Eicosanoids exhibit immunomodulatory properties. We studied whether astroglial cells have the capacity to convert arachidonic acid via the lipoxygenase pathway to leukotriene B4 (LTB4). Calcium ionophore A23187 evoked a dose-related release of LTB4 into supernatants of primary culture rat astrocytes. This stimulatory effect was abrogated by the addition of the lipoxygenase inhibitors BW755c and nordihydroguaretic acid. Astrocyte production of the phlogistic and immunoregulatory mediator LTB4 may be one mechanism by which these cells influence immunity and inflammation in the central nervous system.