Leukotrienes
Leukotrienes are products of the enzyme arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). They are fatty molecules that contribute to inflammation in asthma and allergic rhinitis. Leukotrienes are typically biosynthesized in concert with histamine. [1] As the name suggests, arachidonic acid (AA) is a substrate of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase. [2] AA is an omega-6 fatty acid. [3] Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is also a 5-LO substrate. [2] EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid. [4] The 4-series leukotrienes (LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, LTE4) are synthesized from AA. They are generally proinflammatory. The 5-series leukotrienes (LTB5, LTC5, LTD5, LTE5) are synthesized from EPA. They are anti-inflammatory. [2] Leukotrienes are released from mast cells as part of the inflammation response. They attract white blood cells to sites of tissue damage and cause smooth muscles to contract. [5]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leukotrienes
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachidonate_5-lipoxygenase
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachidonic_acid
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eicosapentaenoic_acid
- ↑ http://www.answers.com/topic/leukotrienes
quiz[edit | edit source]