γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane stimulation of macrophage phospholipid hydrolysis and leukotriene production

Abstract γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane stimulates arachidonic acid release from macrophage phospholipids. It is also a powerful stimulator of leukotriene C 4 production, yet (by comparison with zymosan) produces only a small effect on prostaglandin production. This suggests that synthesis of leukotrienes and prostaglandins can be independently regulated. The most likely mechanism of action of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane is through its effect on phosphatidylinositol metabolism.