Prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes in inflammation

Arachidonic acid undergoes two metabolic pathways in leukocytes. The first, catalysis by prostaglandin cyclo-oxygenase, yields the prostaglandin endoperoxides G2 and H2 and thromboxane A2, which induce rapid irreversible aggregation of human platelets and are potent inductors of smooth muscle contraction. The second pathway, catalysis by lipoxygenase, yields various hydroperoxy acids. In platelets, 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid is the predominant product; in polymorphonuclear leukocytes, 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid is formed. These are primarily reduced to 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. 5-Hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid may also be dehydrated to leukotriene A4. Enzymatic hydrolysis of leukotriene A4 yield leukotriene B4, a potent mediator of leukocyte function. Prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and some hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids exert chemotactic effects on polymorphonuclear leukocytes. In this respect, leukotriene B4 is the most active compound derived from arachidonic acid. In vivo, adherence of leukocytes to the endothelium of microvessels near inflammatory areas and the sticking phenomenon of these cells are the initial hallmarks of an inflammatory response. In vitro, these responses seem to correspond with leukocyte aggregation and adherence. Leukotriene A4 may also react to form leukotriene C4 (a natural component of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis), leukotriene D4, leukotriene E4, and the 11-trans-isomers. All three leukotrienes are virtually unable to induce chemotaxis, enzyme release, or leukocyte aggregation, but they possess biologic properties previously attributed to slow-reacting substances, such as a potent effect on smooth muscle in the peripheral airway and an ability to markedly increase macromolecular permeability in venules. In addition to prolonging bleeding time and causing gastric ulcers, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can trigger or aggravate an asthmatic attack. Aspirin can also trigger or aggravate urticaria, probably as a direct effect of thioether leukotrienes rather than from antibody mediation. Many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase formation of slow-reacting substance-A after challenge with allergen, perhaps by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase, thereby releasing more arachidonic acid for metabolism by lipoxygenase. Alternatively, certain prostaglandins inhibit liberation of arachidonic acid from phospholipids; inhibiting their formation causes release of more arachidonic acid, which must be metabolized by different lipoxygenase pathways, since the cyclo-oxygenase pathway is closed.