[Reactive oxygen species and arachidonic acid metabolites of polymorphonuclear leukocytes]

The activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes by stimulants from host or parasites leads to various metabolic processes and to enhanced oxygen uptake. Oxygen is enzymatically processed to from reactive oxygen compounds and metabolites of arachidonic acid which are involved in killing of microbial pathogens and influence many processes in inflammation. Their activities are regulated intracellularly by antioxidants. A lack or exhaustion of these systems may lead to cell and organ damage in which DNA, proteins, lipids and sugars may be involved. Antioxidants and inhibitors of the arachidonic acid metabolism are applied to reduce these pathological changes. An essential aspect of microbial pathogenicity is the multifold modification of the formation of reactive oxygen compounds and arachidonic acid metabolites.