Amniotic fluid embolism and leukotrienes

Extracts of experimental amniotic fluid embolism from rabbit lungs showed the same biologic activities as leukotrienes and a peak on high-performance liquid chromatography at the same retention time as leukotriene D4. Acute death was prevented by administration of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor. These results suggest the possibility that leukotrienes contribute to the clinical and pathophysiologic features of amniotic fluid embolism.