Stimulus Dependent Formation of Leukotriene B4 in Human Alveolar Macrophages

Arachidonic acid is converted through cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase catalyzed pathways to a great number of biologically active compounds in a variety of cells and tissues (for review see Ref. 1). Among those, the cysteinyl-containing leukotrienes, (LT)C4, D4 and E4 are potent bronchoconstrictors and proposed mediators of bronchial asthma, whereas the chemotactic LTB4 may contribute to airway inflammation.