[Substances affecting the synthesis and activity of leukotrienes]

Leukotrienes play an important role in inflammation and asthma. This paper briefly deals with compounds influencing leukotriene biosynthesis and activity. 5-Lipoxygenase inhibitors (e.g., zileuton) and FLAP inhibitors (e.g., quiflapon) hinder biosynthesis of all leukotrienes. LTB4 production may be limited by LTA4-hydrolase inhibitors. Attention is also paid to leukotriene receptor antagonists. LTB4 antagonists (e.g., SC-51146) should be useful in the treatment of diseases in which a prominent neutrophil infiltrate is present, especially psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. Peptidoleukotriene (LTC4, LTD4, LTE4) antagonists, such as zafirlukast and pranlukast, are currently being developed as antiasthmatics.