Formation of leukotriene C4 by human leukocytes exposed to monosodium urate crystals

Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals stimulate the metabolism of arachidonic acid in mixed populations of human leukocytes. Leukocytes exposed to MSU crystals released leukotriene C4. Leukotriene C4 (LTC4) was characterized and detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), UV absorption, bioassay with guinea pig ileum, and radioimmunoassay. Results indicate that MSU crystals stimulate the transformation of arachidonic acid and the formation of leukotriene C4 in human leukocytes; an effect inhibited by colchicine. Moreover, they suggest that LTC4 may serve as a mediator of inflammation in crystal-associated diseases.