Leukotrienes and Asthma

The peptide leukotrienes LTC4, D4 and E4 collectively account for the biological activity known as slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A). These metabolites of arachidonic acid are thought to play a role in lung pathophysiology. A role in asthma is postulated as a result of their potent bronchoconstrictor activity both in vitro (Dahlen et al. 1980; Drazen et al. 1980; Hanna et al. 1981; Piper et al. 1981; Jones et al. 1982; Peters et al. 1984) and in vivo (Manning et al. 1990; Holroyde et al. 1981; Griffin et al. 1983; Weiss et al. 1982; Barnes et al. 1984). Increased production of leukotrienes has been demonstrated following antigen challenge of the airways of allergic patients in vivo (Creticos et al. 1984; Ishihara et al. 1985; Isono et al. 1985) and in vitro (Dalhen et al. 1983).