Metabolism of leukotriene B4 by guinea pig eosinophils

The metabolism of leukotriene B₄ (5(S),12(R)-dihydroxy-6-cis-8,10-trans-14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid) by isolated guinea pig eosinophils was investigated. Incubation of guinea pig eosinophils with [³H]-leukotriene B₄ resulted in the rapid conversion of leukotriene B₄ to several more polar metabolites. Two of these metabolites were identified by ultraviolet spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as the omega oxidation products 5(S),12(R),20-trihydroxy-6,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (20-hydroxy-leukotriene B₄) and 5(S),12(R),19-trihydroxy-6,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (19-hydroxy-leukotriene B₄). Two novel metabolites, 5(S),12(R),18,19-tetrahydroxy-6,8,10,14 eicosatetraenoic acid (18,19-dihydroxy-leukotriene B₄) and 5(S),12(R)-dihydroxy-1,18-dicarboxylic-6,8,10,14,16-octadecapentaenoic acid (Δ16,17–18-carboxy-19,20-dinor-leukotriene B₄) were tentatively identified. The identification of these compounds indicates that guinea pig eosinophils are capable of metabolizing leukotriene B₄ by both omega and beta oxidation. This catabolic activity may play a role in modulating inflammatory reactions by removing the chemoattractant leukotriene B₄ from inflammatory sites.     

Stereoselective hydrogen abstraction in leukotriene A4 synthesis by purified 5-lipoxygenase of porcine leukocytes

Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase purified from porcine leukocytes transformed arachidonic acid to 5-hydroperoxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid. By the leukotriene A synthase activity of the same enzyme the product was further metabolized to leukotriene A₄ (actually detected as 6-trans-leukotriene B₄, 12-epi-6-trans-leukotriene B₄, abd 5,6-duhydroxy-7,9,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acids). The enzyme was incubated with [10-D_R-³H]- or [10-L_S-³H]- labeled arachidonic acid, and 6-trans-LTB₄ and its 12-epimer were analyzed. More than 90% of 10-D_R-hydrogen was lost while about 100% of 10-L_S-hydrogen was retained, indicating a stereospecific hydrogen elimination from C-10 during the formation of leukotriene A₄.     

Studies on the mechanism of formation of the 5S,12S-dihydroxy-6,8,10,14(E,Z,E,Z)-icosatetraenoic acid in leukocytes

Incubation of peripheral blood leukocytes with arachidonic acid (and ionophore A23187) led to the formation of leukotriene B₄, Δ⁶-trans-leukotriene B₄, Δ⁶-trans-12-epi-leukotriene B₄, 5-hydroxy-icosatetraenoic acid, 12-hydroxy-icosatetraenoic acid and of 5S,12S-dihydroxy-6,8,10,14-(E,Z,E,Z)-icosatetraenoic acid (5S,12S-DiHETE). Incubation of leukocytes with leukotriene A₄ resulted in the formation of leukotriene B₄ and of its two Δ⁶-trans-isomers but not of the 5S,12S-DiHETE. ¹⁸O₂ labeling experiments have shown that the hydroxyl groups at C5 and C12 in the 5S,12S-DiHETE are derived from molecular oxygen. The tetraacetylenic analog of arachidonic acid was found to be a potent inhibitor of the formation of the 5S,12S-DiHETE whereas it potentiated the synthesis of the 5-hydroxy acid and of leukotriene B₄. Addition of the 12-hydroxy-icosatetraenoic acid to leukocytes, or of the 5-hydroxy-icosatetraenoic acid to a suspension of platelets caused the formation of the 5S,12S-DiHETE. It is concluded that the 5S,12S-DiHETE is not derived from leukotriene A₄ but is a product of the successive reactions of arachidonic acid with two lipoxygenases of different positional specificities.     

Microbial production of vitamin B12 antimetabolites: II. 2-Amino-4-keto-3-methylpentanoic acids from bacillus cereus 439

2-Amino-4-keto-3-methylpentanoic acids were isolated as a diastereomeric mixture from Bacillus cereus 439 fermentations and found to be vitamin B₁₂ antimetabolites in a bioassay system based on the vitamin B₁₂-requiring Escherichia coli (Davis 113-3). A similar diastereomeric mixture with bioactivity was synthesized by condensation of 2-bromo-3-butanone with sodio diethyl acetamidomalonate followed by hydrolysis with 6 N HCl and purification by ion-exchange chromatography. The growth inhibitory effects of the antimetabolite were reversed by vitamin B₁₂, l-methionine, l-isoleucine, l-leucine, l-valine, and d-alanine.     

Products of 5-lipoxygenase and myeloperoxidase activities are increased in young male cigarette smokers

Abstract

The significance of 5-lipoxygenase and myeloperoxidase activities has not been extensively studied among young male smokers. Leukotriene B₄, 20-hydroxy-leukotriene B₄, 20-carboxy-leukotriene B₄ and 3-chlorotyrosine were measured in plasma and urinary samples of young male smokers at 8 hours following cigarette abstinence and an hour after cigarette smoking. Leukotriene B₄ and 3-chlorotyrosine were determined in neutrophils isolated from these individuals. The levels of these markers were compared with those of age-matched controls. In vitro studies were performed to evaluate the production of leukotriene B₄ and 3-chlorotyrosine from human neutrophils following exposure to nicotine and cotinine. Thirty male smokers (mean age, 27.4 years) and 28 male non-smokers (mean age, 28.7 years) were studied. Plasma levels of leukotriene B₄, 20-carboxy-leukotriene B₄ and 3-chlorotyrosine were higher in smokers than in non-smokers; leukotriene B₄ and 20-carboxy-leukotriene B₄ levels increased further an hour after cigarette smoking. Peripheral neutrophils isolated from smokers showed greater expressions of myeloperoxidase and 5-lipoxygenase activities compared with non-smokers, while plasma leukotriene B₄ and 3-chlorotyrosine were correlated significantly with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and plasma nicotine concentrations. Exposure of human neutrophils to nicotine and cotinine resulted in a higher production of leukotriene B₄ and 3-chlorotyrosine. To conclude, leukotriene B₄ and 3-chlorotyrosine levels are increased in young male cigarette smokers. These results suggest that cigarette smoking aggravates neutrophil-mediated inflammation by modulating the activities of myeloperoxidase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways.     

Formation of leukotrienes and hydroxy acids by human neutrophils and platelets exposed to monosodium urate

Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals stimulate the production of arachidonic acid metabolites by human neutrophils and platelets. Neutrophils exposed to MSU generated leukotriene B₄(LTB₄). 6- -LTB₄, 12- -6- -LTB₄, and 5S, 12S DHETE from endogenous sources of arachidonate. In addition to these metabolites both monohyroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (i.e., 5-HETE) and w-oxidation products (i.e., 20-COOH LTB₄) were formed by neutrophils exposed to MSU. Addition of exogenous arachidonic acid led to increased formation of each of these metabolites. When neutrophils were treated with colchicine (10 uM), LTB₄ but 5-HETE formation was impaired. (1-¹⁴C) Arachidonate-labeled platelets exposed to MSU released (1-¹⁴C)-arachidonate. (¹⁴C)-12 HETE, (¹⁴C)-HHT and (¹⁴C)-thromboxane B₂. Results indicate that MSU stimulates arachidonic acid metabolism in both human neutrophils and platelets. Moreover, they suggest not only that metabolites of arachidonate may be considered as possible candidates for mediators of inflammation in crystal-associated diseases, but that colchicine blocks the formation of LTB₄.     

Bile salts of vertebrates: structural variation and possible evolutionary significance

Biliary bile salt composition of 677 vertebrate species (103 fish, 130 reptiles, 271 birds, 173 mammals) was determined. Bile salts were of three types: C₂₇ bile alcohols, C₂₇ bile acids, or C₂₄ bile acids, with default hydroxylation at C-3 and C-7. C₂₇ bile alcohols dominated in early evolving fish and amphibians; C₂₇ bile acids, in reptiles and early evolving birds. C₂₄ bile acids were present in all vertebrate classes, often with C₂₇ alcohols or with C₂₇ acids, indicating two evolutionary pathways from C₂₇ bile alcohols to C₂₄ bile acids: a) a ‘direct’ pathway and b) an ‘indirect’ pathway with C₂₇ bile acids as intermediates. Hydroxylation at C-12 occurred in all orders and at C-16 in snakes and birds. Minor hydroxylation sites were C-1, C-2, C-5, C-6, and C-15. Side chain hydroxylation in C₂₇ bile salts occurred at C-22, C-24, C-25, and C-26, and in C₂₄ bile acids, at C-23 (snakes, birds, and pinnipeds). Unexpected was the presence of C₂₇ bile alcohols in four early evolving mammals. Bile salt composition showed significant variation between orders but not between families, genera, or species. Bile salt composition is a biochemical trait providing clues to evolutionary relationships, complementing anatomical and genetic analyses.     

Modulation of the 5-lipoxygenase activity of MC-9 mast cells: Activation by hydroperoxides

In order to identify regulatory steps in leukotriene synthesis, the biochemical characteristics of a 5-lipoxygenase activity in the 100,000 xg supernatant from sonicates of cells of an IL-3 dependent murine mast cell clone, MC-9 were determined. Principal products from exogenous ¹⁴C-arachidonic acid were identified as leukotriene B₄, diastereomeric 5,12-dihydroxy-eicossatetraenoic acids (5.12 diHETEs) 5-hydroperoxy and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (5-HPETE and 5-HEYE) as well as a novel metabolite 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE). The lipoxygenase activity had a pH optimum of 6.9 and was highly dependent upon added Ca⁺⁺. The effective Ca⁺⁺ concentration for 50 per cent activation (EC₅₀) was 3 uM. Activity was also stimulated by ATP (EC₅₀ = 160 uM). The cytosolic 5-lipoxygenase activity exhibited a biphasic concentration dependence for arachidonic acid with maximum product formation occurring at 35 uM (ca. 20 nmole/mg/4 min). The lipoxygenase activity exhibited apparent lag phase kinetics which were more pronounced at low protein concentrations (0.3 mg/ml). In addition, the lag phase was greatly accentuated by the addition of a hydroperoxide scavenging system consisting of glutathione (1 mM) plus glutathione peroxidase (0.4 unit/ml). In contrast, addition of any several hydroperoxides, i.e. 5-,8-,9- or 15-HPETE (EC₅₀ ca. 1 uM), but not the corresponding alcohols (5-HETE and 15-HETE), shortened the lag phase. These results show that the 5-lipoxygenase requires hydroperoxide for activation and that cellular level of hydroperoxides may be an important factor regulating leukotriene synthesis.     

The metabolism of leukotriene B4 by peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes in psoriasis

The formation of leukotriene B₄ and its ω-oxidised metabolites has been compared in calcium ionophore-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes, in the absence of exogenous substrate, from fourteen psoriatic subjects and thirteen healthy controls. Although there was no significant difference in the levels of leukotriene B₄, the psoriatic cells synthesised significantly greater amounts of ω-oxidation products than control cells. This difference was confirmed in an experiment comparing the time course of formation of the ω-oxidation products of leukotriene B₄, under similar conditions, in polymorphonuclear leukocytes from four psoriatic subjects and three healthy controls. The kinetic constants for the metabolism of exogenous leukotriene B₄ by 20-hydroxylase were determined by a radiochromatographic enzyme assay in polymorphonuclear leukocytes from three patients with psoriasis and three healthy controls. No significant differences were found in the apparent K_m and V_max values. It is concluded that the increased formation of ω-oxidation products in psoriatic cells may be secondary to increased synthesis of leukotriene B₄ by these cells, with consequent increased metabolism, rather than to an inherent abnormality of the 20-hydroxylase system. Further work is needed to determine the kinetics of the enzymes involved in leukotriene B₄ synthesis in the psoriatic polymorphonuclear leukocyte, and also to assess the contribution of the leukotriene B₄ and ω-oxidation products from polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltrating the skin to the pathogenesis of the psoriatic lesion.     

The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on leukotriene B₄ and leukotriene B₅ production from stimulated neutrophil granulocytes in patients with chronic kidney disease

The proinflammatory leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) may be of importance in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated whether n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decrease LTB₄ and increase the formation of the less inflammatory leukotriene B₅ (LTB₅) in patients with CKD.Fifty-six patients with CKD stage 2-5 were randomised to 2.4 g n-3 PUFA or olive oil for 8 weeks. Compared to controls, n-3 PUFA significantly decreased release of LTB₄ (p<0.001) and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) (p<0.01) and significantly increased release of LTB₅ (p<0.001) and 5-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (5-HEPE) (p<0.001) from stimulated neutrophil granulocytes. Kidney function evaluated by creatinine clearance and proteinuria did not improve. In conclusion, n-3 PUFA supplementation for 8 weeks in patients with CKD stage 2-5 significantly decreased LTB₄ and 5-HETE and significantly increased LTB₅ and 5-HEPE. No effect was seen on kidney function.     

Microsomal oxidation of bromo-, chloro- and fluorobiphenyls

1. The metabolism of 2-, 3-, 4-bromo-, 2-, 4-chloro-, and 2-fluorobiphenyl by hepatic microsomes isolated from control and Aroclor 1254-treated rats and pigeons was studied.2. Meta and para as well as dihydroxylated metabolites were detected, but para hydroxylation was the preferred route of metabolism with all of the substrates used.3. The overall rates of hydroxylation were greater with hepatic microsomes from rats than from pigeons.4. Treatment with Aroclor 1254, a potent inducer of hepatic monooygenases, resulted in increased rates of metabolism and in the enhanced formation of diol metabolites. Metabolism of halobiphenyls by induced P450 isoenzymes altered the regioselective hydroxylation pathways.5. Ortho- and meta halosubstituted biphenyls were less rapidly metabolised when compared with paru substituted isomers.     

Leukotriene C4 synthase homo-oligomers detected in living cells by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer

Leukotrienes (LTs) are biologically active compounds derived from arachidonic acid which have important pathophysiological roles in asthma and inflammation. The cysteinyl leukotriene LTC₄ and its metabolites LTD₄ and LTE₄ stimulate bronchoconstriction, airway mucous formation and generalized edema formation. LTC₄ is formed by addition of glutathione to LTA₄, catalyzed by the integral membrane protein, LTC₄ synthase (LTCS). We now report the use of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) to demonstrate that LTCS forms homo-oligomers in living cells. Fusion proteins of LTCS and Renilla luciferase (Rluc) and a variant of green fluorescent protein (GFP), respectively, were prepared. High BRET signals were recorded in transiently transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells co-expressing Rluc/LTCS and GFP/LTCS. Homo-oligomer formation in living cells was verified by co-transfection of a plasmid expressing non-chimeric LTCS. This resulted in dose-dependent attenuation of the BRET signal. Additional evidence for oligomer formation was obtained in cell-free assays using glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay. To map interaction domains for oligomerization, GFP/LTCS fusion proteins were prepared with truncated variants of LTCS. The results obtained identified a C-terminal domain (amino acids 114–150) sufficient for oligomerization of LTCS. Another, centrally located, interaction domain appeared to exist between amino acids 57–88. The functional significance of LTCS homo-oligomer formation is currently being investigated.     

Theophylline infusion modulates prostaglandin and leukotriene production in man

Although theophylline has been used in the treatment of asthma for decades, it is not a first line choice any more. It is a well-known bronchodilator, but was recently discovered also to be an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and bronchoprotective agent. Therefore we wanted to establish the role of theophylline on prostaglandin and leukotriene production, which plays a part in the pathogenesis of asthma. Theophylline was infused (bolus 5 mg/kg in 15 min and infusion 0.4 mg/kg/h for 1 h 45 min) into healthy volunteers. Thromboxane B₂, prostaglandin E₂ and leukotriene E₄ were measured from the A23187-stimulated whole blood samples and stable metabolites of thromboxane A₂; prostacyclin and leukotriene E₄ were measured from urine. Theophylline increased prostaglandin E₂ production and decreased leukotriene E₄ production ex vivo in whole blood, thus increasing the prostanoid/leukotriene ratio. It did not change thromboxane B₂ production stimulated by either spontaneous clotting or A23187 in the whole blood. Theophylline had hardly any effect on in vivo thromboxane, prostacyclin and leukotriene E₄ production measured as urinary metabolites, 11-dehydro-thromboxane B₂, 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F_1α and leukotriene E₄, respectively. Serum theophylline concentrations were at the lower level of normal therapeutic range during the infusion. The increase in PGE₂ and the decrease in LTE₄ synthesis ex vivo may offer a new explanation for the mode of antiasthmatic action of theophylline. It is notable that this phenomenon occurs at low serum theophylline concentrations. These results confirm the idea that theophylline has an anti-inflammatory and bronchoprotective action and support the use of theophylline as a therapeutic agent in asthmatic patients.     

Carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini oxysterols detected by LC–MS/MS survey of soluble fraction parasite extract

Liquid chromatography in tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) has emerged as an informative tool to investigate oxysterols (oxidized derivatives of cholesterol) in helminth parasite associated cancers. Here, we used LC–MS/MS to investigate in soluble extracts of the adult developmental stage of Opisthorchis viverrini from experimentally infected hamsters. Using comparisons with known bile acids and the metabolites of estrogens, the LC–MS data indicated the existence of novel oxysterol derivatives in O. viverrini. Most of these derivatives were ramified at C-17, in similar fashion to bile acids and their conjugated salts. Several were compatible with the presence of an estrogen core, and/or hydroxylation of the steroid aromatic ring A, hydroxylation of both C-2 and C-3 of the steroid ring and further oxidation into an estradiol-2,3-quinone.     

Metabolism of valproic acid by hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450

Incubation of valproic acid with rat liver microsomes led to the formation of 3-, 4- and 5-hydroxy-valproic acid. The latter two metabolites, which have been characterized previously from in vivo studies, may be regarded as products of fatty acid ω-1 and ω hydroxylation, respectively. 3-Hydroxy-valproic acid, however, had been thought to derive from the β-oxidation pathway in mitochondria. Conversion of valproic acid to all three metabolites in microsomes required NADPH (NADH was less effective), utilized molecular oxygen, was suppressed by inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 and was stimulated (notably at C-3 and C-4) by phenobarbital pretreatment of the rats. It is concluded that rat liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 catalyzes ω-2 hydroxylation of valproic acid, a reaction not detected previously with fatty acids in mammalian systems, and that the product, 3-hydroxyvalproic acid, should not be used to assess in vivo metabolism of valproate via the β-oxidation pathway.     

Leukotriene B3, leukotriene B4 and leukotriene B5; Binding to leukotriene B4 receptors on rat and human leukocyte membranes

Specific high-affinity binding sites for [³H]-leukotriene B₄ have been identified on membrane preparations from rat and human leukocytes. The rat and human leukocyte membrane preparations show linearity of binding with increasing protein concentration, saturable binding and rapid dissociation of binding by excess unlabelled leukotriene B₄. Dissociation constants of 0.5 to 2.5 nM and maximum binding of 5000 fmoles/mg protein were obtained for [³H] leukotriene B₄ binding to these preparations. Displacement of [³H]-leukotriene B₄ by leukotriene B₄ was compared with displacement by leukotriene B₃ and leukotriene B₅ which differ from leukotriene B₄ only by the absence of a double bond at carbon 14 or the presence of an additional double bond at carbon 17, respectively. Leukotriene B₃ was shown to be equipotent to leukotriene B₄ in ability to displace [³H]-leukotriene B₄ from both rat and human leukocyte membranes while leukotriene B₅ was 20–50 fold less potent. The relative potencies for the displacement of [³]-leukotriene B₄ by leukotrienes B₃, B₄ and B₅ on rat and human leukocyte membranes were shown to correlate well with their potencies for the induction of the aggregation of rat leukocytes and the chemokinesis of human leukocytes.     

Leukotriene A synthase activity of purified mouse skin arachidonate 8-lipoxygenase expressed in Escherichia coli

Mouse skin 8-lipoxygenase was expressed in COS-7 cells by transient transfection of its cDNA in pEF-BOS carrying an elongation factor-1α promoter. When crude extract of the transfected COS-7 cells was incubated with arachidonic acid, 8-hydroxy-5,9,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid was produced as assessed by reverse- and straight-phase high performance liquid chromatographies. The recombinant enzyme also reacted on α-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acids at almost the same rate as that with arachidonic acid. Eicosapentaenoic and γ-linolenic acids were also oxygenated at 43% and 56% reaction rates of arachidonic acid, respectively. In contrast, linoleic acid was a poor substrate for this enzyme. The 8-lipoxygenase reaction with these fatty acids proceeded almost linearly for 40 min. The 8-lipoxygenase was also expressed in an Escherichia coli system using pQE-32 carrying six histidine residues at N-terminal of the enzyme. The expressed enzyme was purified over 380-fold giving a specific activity of approximately 0.2 μmol/45 min per mg protein by nickel–nitrilotriacetate affinity chromatography. The enzymatic properties of the purified 8-lipoxygenase were essentially the same as those of the enzyme expressed in COS-7 cells. When the purified 8-lipoxygenase was incubated with 5-hydroperoxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, two epimers of 6-trans-leukotriene B₄, degradation products of unstable leukotriene A₄, were observed upon high performance liquid chromatography. Thus, the 8-lipoxygenase catalyzed synthesis of leukotriene A₄ from 5-hydroperoxy fatty acid. Reaction rate of the leukotriene A synthase was approximately 7% of arachidonate 8-lipoxygenation. In contrast to the linear time course of 8-lipoxygenase reaction with arachidonic acid, leukotriene A synthase activity leveled off within 10 min, indicating suicide inactivation.     

Conversion of 1-benzoylindole by Aspergillus strains

Biotransformation of 1-benzoylindole (BI) by the strains Aspergillus flavus VKM F-1024 and Aspergillus oryzae VKM F-44 was studied. The major metabolites isolated were identified as 4-hydroxyindole (4-HI), 5-hydroxyindole (5-HI), 4-hydroxy-1-benzoylindole, 4-hydroxy-1-(4′-hydroxy)-benzoylindole and indole. The structure of the metabolites was determined by mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The pathways of BI metabolism via initial monohydroxylation at C-4 and C-5 followed by cleavage of the benzoyl substituent to yield 4-HI and 5-HI were proposed. Indole was formed as a by-product, and its role as a potent inhibitor of BI hydroxylation at C-4 and C-5 is discussed. Received: 22 June 1999 / Received revision: 6 December 1999 / Accepted: 12 December 1999     

Inhibition of Icosanoid Production in MC/9 Mouse Mast Cells by n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Isolated from Edible Marine Algae

The effects of two polyunsaturated fatty acids, 18:4n-3 and 16:4n-3 purified from the marine algae, Undaria pinnatifida and Ulva pertusa, on icosanoid production in MC/9 mouse mast cells were assessed. Both fatty acids suppressed the production of leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), leukotriene C₄ (LTC₄), and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE). The order of the suppressive activity for the two marine algae-derived fatty acids and three other common polyunsaturated fatty acids was as follows; 22:6n-3=18:4n-3=18:3n-3>20:5n-3=16:4n-3 for LTB₄; 22:6n-3=18:4n-3=18:3n-3>16:4n-3>20:5n-3 (no suppression) for LTC₄; 22:6n-3=18:4n-3>18:3n-3>20:5n-3=16:4n-3 for 5-HETE.     

The Leukotriene B4/BLT1 Axis Is a Key Determinant in Susceptibility and Resistance to Histoplasmosis

The bioactive lipid mediator leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) greatly enhances phagocyte antimicrobial functions against a myriad of pathogens. In murine histoplasmosis, inhibition of the LT-generating enzyme 5-lypoxigenase (5-LO) increases the susceptibility of the host to infection. In this study, we investigated whether murine resistance or susceptibility to Histoplasma capsulatum infection is associated with leukotriene production and an enhancement of in vivo and/or in vitro antimicrobial effector function. We show that susceptible C57BL/6 mice exhibit a higher fungal burden in the lung and spleen, increased mortality, lower expression levels of 5-LO and leukotriene B₄ receptor 1 (BLT₁) and decreased LTB₄ production compared to the resistant 129/Sv mice. Moreover, we demonstrate that endogenous and exogenous LTs are required for the optimal phagocytosis of H. capsulatum by macrophages from both murine strains, although C57BL/6 macrophages are more sensitive to the effects of LTB₄ than 129/Sv macrophages. Therefore, our results provide novel evidence that LTB₄ production and BLT₁ signaling are required for a histoplasmosis-resistant phenotype.