Lipoxygenase metabolism following laser induced retinal injury in rabbits.

Purpose. 1) to investigate whether leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4) is a factor in the inflammatory reaction following chorioretinal laser injury in rabbits; 2) to study its relationship with the cyclooxygenase (COX) metabolic pathway; 3) to study the influence of Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), an inhibitor; of the lipoxygenase (LOX) cascade, on both COX and LOX metabolism. Methods. Prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) and LTB 4 synthesis by incubated samples of chorioretina obtained from rabbits’ eyes exposed to Neodymium:Yag laser along with these eicosanoids accumulation in the vitreous were measured over one week follow-up period. The effect of NDGA pre-treatment on the COX and the LOX pathways in the laser-injured chorioretina was also assessed. PGE 2 and LTB 4 levels in the vitreous and in the chorioretina incubation medium were quantified using the radioimmunoassay technique with the appropriate antibodies. Results. LTB 4 in vitro production by rabbits’ chorioretina subjected to ND; YAG laser was significantly elev...