Leukotriene

Leukotriene are autocrine and paracrine eicosanoid lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid by 5-lipoxygenase.

Table of contents

1 History and name 2 Biochemistry 2.1 Synthesis 2.2 Function

History and name

The name leukotriene comes from the word leukocyte and triene (a compound with three double bonds). What would be later named leukotriene C, "slow reaction smooth muscle-stimulating substance" (SRS) was originally described in 1938 by Feldberg and Kellaway. The researchers isolated SRS from lung tissue after a prolonged period following exposure to snake venom and histimine.

Biochemistry

Synthesis

Leukotrienes are synthesized in the cell from arachidonate acid by 5-lipoxygenase. The lipoxygenase pathway is active in leukocytes and in macrophages and synthesizes leukotrines.

Function

Leukotrienes act principally on subfamily of G protein coupled receptors. They may also act upon peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Leukotrienes are involved in asthamtic and allergic reactions and act to sustain inflammatory reactions.