The effect of leukotriene D4 on pulmonary and systemic circulation in conscious newborn puglets

Abstract In a conscious newborn piglet model, exogenous leukotriene D 4 was found to be a potent pulmonary and systemic vasoconstrictor with significant left ventricular depressant effect. The pulmonary pressor effect was seen only in the arteriolesand not the veins. In hypoxia the pulmonary response was less. The findings were similar to that in lambs. The role of leukotrienes in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and the foetal pulmonary circulation needs further elucidation.