The effects of platelet-activating factor on flow rate and eicosanoid release in the isolated perfused rat gastric vascular bed

In the isolated rat stomach perfused via the vasculature in situ under constant pressure bolus injections of platelet-activating factor (PAF, 3, 16, or 50 ng) induced dose-dependent, long-lasting reductions of flow rates and simultaneously significant increases in the release of cysteinyl-leukotrienes (cys-LT), thromboxane (TX) B₂ and 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F_1α. Reversed phase high pressure liquid chromatography demonstrated the release of a mixture of comparable amounts of LTC₄, LTD₄ and LTE₄ by PAF. Inhibition of cys-LT sythesis by the lipoxygenase inhibitors nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and L-651, 896 did not significantly affect PAF-induced flow reduction indicating that endogenous cys-LT are of minor importance for the PAF effect on gastric vascular flow. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the cys-LT receptor antagonist FPL 55712 in a concentration (1 × 10⁻⁶ M) that completely antagonized gastric flow reduction by exogenous LTC₄ (1 × 10⁻⁷ M) had no effect on the PAF-induced reduction of flow. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin aggravated the PAF-induced flow reduction suggesting that the endogenous vasodilator PGI₂ might act as a functional PAF antagonist in the rat gastric vascular bed. In contrast to FPL 55712 the PAF antagonist BN 52021 significantly and concentration-dependently antagonized the PAF effect on gastric vascular flow. The results demonstrate that PAF and LTC₄ induce flow reductions in the rat gastric vascular bed by activating different receptors and that endogenous eicosanoids released by PAF do not contribute significantly to the PAF effect on gastric vascular flow.     

Contraction of isolated airway smooth muscle by synthetic leukotrienes C4 and D4

The pharmacology of leukotrienes (LT) C4 and D4 in isolated airway smooth muscle was investigated. In rat trachea, neither LTC4 or D4 elicited a response. In contrast, LTC4 was a potent contractile agonist in guinea-pig trachea, bronchus and parenchymal lung strip. Similar effects were obtained with LTD4 in trachea and parenchyma. In trachea and bronchus, the concentration-response curve to LTC4 was biphasic: indomethacin converted the biphasic response curve to a simple sigmoidal shape and enhanced the maximum contractile response. The SRS-A antagonist FPL 55712 antagonized the effect of LTD4 in both trachea and parenchyma. As regards LTC4-induced contraction of trachea and bronchus, FPL 55712, depending on concentration, either antagonized, or antagonized and enhanced the maximum contractile response. The enhancement of the maximum contractile response by FPL 55712 was not apparent when indomethacin was present. FPL 55712 failed to antagonize the effect of LTC4 in parenchyma.     

Pharmacology of peptide leukotrienes on ferret isolated airway smooth muscle

The contractile activities of peptide leukotrienes (LT) on isolated spiral strips of ferret trachea were characterized pharmacologically. LTC4 and LTD4 contracted ferret tracheal strips in a concentration-related manner and were 3- to 8-fold more potent than carbachol. In contrast, high concentrations of LTE4 evoked either weak contractions or none at all, whereas LTC4 and D4 were partial agonists compared to carbachol. In tissues which were unresponsive to LTE4, this compound antagonized contractile responses to LTC4 and D4 in an apparently competitive manner: Carbachol-induced contractions were not altered by LTE4. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (5 microM), LT antagonist, FPL55712 (10 microM), atropine (1 microM), phenoxybenzamine (10 microM), and LTB4 (10 microM) failed to alter LTC4 and D4 concentration-response curves. The results indicate that ferret trachea is sensitive to the contractile activity of LTC4 and LTD4 but not LTE4. The LT-induced contractions appear to be mediated by a direct action of the LT rather than indirectly through release of secondary mediators such as thromboxane, prostaglandin, or acetylcholine. LT receptors in ferret trachea are insensitive to FPL55712 but are antagonized by LTE4.     

Does leukotriene C4 mediate hypoxic vasoconstriction in isolated ferret lungs?

To evaluate leukotriene (LT) C4 as a mediator of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, we examined the effects of FPL55712, a putative LT antagonist, and indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, on vasopressor responses to LTC4 and hypoxia (inspired O2 tension = 25 Torr) in isolated ferret lungs perfused with a constant flow (50 ml.kg-1.min-1). Pulmonary arterial injections of LTC4 caused dose-related increases in pulmonary arterial pressure during perfusion with physiological salt solution containing Ficoll (4 g/dl). FPL55712 caused concentration-related inhibition of the pressor response to LTC4 (0.6 micrograms). Although 10 micrograms/ml FPL55712 inhibited the LTC4 pressor response by 61%, it did not alter the response to hypoxia. At 100 microgram/ml, FPL55712 inhibited the responses to LTC4 and hypoxia by 73 and 71%, respectively, but also attenuated the vasoconstrictor responses to prostaglandin F2 alpha (78% at 8 micrograms), phenylephrine (68% at 100 micrograms), and KCl (51% at 40 mM). At 0.5 microgram/ml, indomethacin significantly attenuated the pressor response to arachidonic acid but did not alter responses to LTC4 or hypoxia. These results suggest that in isolated ferret lungs 1) the vasoconstrictor response to LTC4 did not depend on release of cyclooxygenase products and 2) LTC4 did not mediate hypoxic vasoconstriction.     

Antagonism of PAF-induced death in mice

The ability of three platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists, BN52021, L652, 731 and 48740RP, and the leukotriene antagonist FPL55712 to block iv PAF-induced death was tested in mice. PAF-induced sudden death was been previously characterized as a model of systemic anaphylaxis and circulatory shock related its hypotensive actions. Of the drugs, BN52021 and L652, 731 provided dose-dependent protection against PAF toxicity, whereas the others had no effect. 48740RP was, however active against PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation. BN52021 was inactive in three other mouse sudden death models in which arachidonic acid, U46619 or collagen combined with epinephrine is injected iv to provoke a thrombotic/ischemic sudden death. In contrast, the TXA₂ antagonist SQ29548 inhibited the acute toxicity of two of these latter challenges (arachidonic acid and thromboxane agonist U46619), but was inactive against PAF lethality.These results suggest that PAF toxicity in mice is a specific model for PAF agonism, and is not mediated by TXA₂ or peptido-leukotrienes. Further, PAF-induced mortality should be a simple and useful technique for testing potential PAF antagonists for activity by various routes of administration.     

Isolation of leukotriene C4 from human seminal fluid

LTC4 was isolated and characterized from seminal fluid of seven human volunteers. A compound with a similar retention time to that of synthetic LTC4 was obtained using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The ultraviolet absorbance of the extracted substance was identical to synthetic LTC4. Furthermore this compound contracted the guinea pig ileum and lung parenchymal strip. Its effects were antagonized by the leukotriene antagonist FPL55712. It was concluded that LTC4 is present in human seminal fluid in very small amounts (about 100 ng/ejaculate). The possible physiological functions of LTC4 in the reproductive tract are discussed.     

The effect of leukotriene D4 on the isolated stomach and colon of the rat

The effect of synthetic leukotriene D4 (LTD4) was evaluated on isolated gastric longitudinal or circular smooth muscle and distal colon of the rat. The concentrations of LTD4, 2.5 X 10(-10)M to 5 X 10(-7)M, evoked minimal to maximal contractile responses. In addition, selected prostaglandins were used to identify the mediator of LTD4-induced contraction of gastric smooth muscle. FPL 55712 inhibited LTD4-induced contractions of gastric longitudinal or circular muscle. Indomethacin inhibited only LTD4-induced contractions of the longitudinal muscle. A combination of FPL 55712 and indomethacin produced greater inhibition of LTD4-induced contractions of longitudinal muscle than either agent alone. However, the same combination of inhibitors showed no greater effect than FPL 55712 alone on LTD4-induced contractions of circular smooth muscle. Unlike PGI2, PGF2, PGA2, or PGD2, PGE2 evoked contraction of the longitudinal muscle and relaxation of the circular muscle of the stomach. The dissimilar effect of PGE2 in the two smooth muscle layers of the rat stomach may signify that PGE2 is the prostaglandin released by LTD4 from the longitudinal and circular gastric muscle. However, the opposing pharmacologic effects following LTD4-induced release of prostaglandins in the circular muscle of the stomach would preclude the appearance of an inhibitory effect of indomethacin in this tissue. In contrast, PGE2 and other prostaglandins contract gastric longitudinal muscle in response to LTD4. Thus, these studies clearly suggest that LTD4 has both a direct and indirect effect on gastric smooth muscle of the rat. Unlike the stomach, LTD4-induced contraction of the distal colon was not inhibited by indomethacin while FPL 55712 antagonized contractions. Thus, these findings indicate a differential mechanism of stimulation of rat gastrointestinal tissue by LTD4.     

Contraction of isolated airway smooth muscle by synthetic leukotrienes C4 and D4

The pharmacology of leukotrienes (LT) C₄ and D₄ in isolated airway smooth muscle was investigated. In rat trachea, neither LTC₄ or D₄ elicited a response. In contrast, LTC₄ was a potent contractile agonist in guinea-pig trachea, bronchus and parenchymal lung strip. Similar effects were obtained with LTD₄ in trachea and parenchyma. In trachea and bronchus, the concentration-response curve to LTC₄ was biphasic: indomethacin converted the biphasic response curve to a simple sigmoidal shape and enhanced the maximum contractile response. The SRS-A antagonist FPL 55712 antagonized the effect of LTD₄ in both trachea and parenchyma. As regards LTC₄-induced contraction of trachea and bronchus, FPL 55712, depending on concentration, either antagonized, or antagonized and enhanced the maximum contractile response. The enhancement of the maximum contractile response by FPL 55712 was not apparent when indomethacin was present. FPL 55712 failed to antagonize the effect of LTC₄ in parenchyma.     

Binding of leukotriene C4 to rat lung fibroblasts and stimulation of collagen synthesis in vitro

Arachidonate metabolites are potent biological mediators affecting multiple cellular functions. Although prostaglandins of the E series, which are products of the cyclooxygenase pathway, have been known as inhibitors or down-regulators of fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, the more recently discovered products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway have not been as extensively investigated with regard to fibroblast function. In this study, a sulfidopeptide product of the lipoxygenase pathway, leukotriene C4 (LTC4), was examined for its ability to modulate rat lung fibroblast collagen synthesis and proliferation in vitro. The data revealed the ability of LTC4 and to a lesser extent leukotriene D4 (LTD4) to stimulate collagen synthesis in a dose-dependent (10(-11)-10(-8) M) manner without affecting cellular proliferation as determined by radiolabeled thymidine incorporation; 1 nM LTC4 caused an 85% (p less than 0.02) increase above untreated controls in [3H]proline incorporation into collagenous protein in the media, which was blocked by the putative leukotriene receptor antagonist FPL55712 (10 microM) and inhibited by cycloheximide and actinomycin D. This LTC4 stimulatory effect was slightly more specific for collagen synthesis vs noncollagenous protein synthesis but was not accompanied with any change in the collagen type composition. Binding of [3H]LTC4 to these cells was specific, reversible, and saturable, with a Kd of 1.8 +/- 0.95 nM. Under equilibrium conditions, there was an estimated 2.39 X 10(4) receptors per cell. This binding was also inhibited by 10 microM FPL55712. Competitive binding studies show specificity of this binding for LTC4 relative to LTD4 and FPL55712. Furthermore, no significant conversion of LTC4 to LTD4 or leukotriene E4 was noted during the binding studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The effect of synthetic leukotrienes on tracheal microvascular permeability

The effect of synthetic leukotrienes (LT) C4, D4 and E4 on the permeability of the airway microvasculature to plasma albumin was quantitatively evaluated using an in situ guinea pig tracheal model. Vascular permeability was measured as extravascular albumin content by employing 125I-bovine serum albumin and, in order to correct for blood volume, 51Cr-erythrocytes were used. Intratracheal injection of synthetic LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 (0.1-1000 ng) produced dose-dependent increases in tracheal extravascular albumin content. The leukotrienes were approximately 100-1000 fold more potent than histamine, although histamine did produce a greater maximal increase in extravascular albumin than the leukotrienes. Methacholine did not increase extravascular albumin content. The microvascular permeability effect of LTD4 was antagonized by FPL 55712 but not by mepyramine; conversely, the effect of histamine was antagonized by mepyramine and not by FPL 55712. Additionally, indomethacin did not alter the LTD4-induced increases in tracheal vascular permeability. These results suggest that the effect of LTD4 on tracheal microvascular permeability is directly mediated and is not the indirect result of cholinergic stimulation, histamine release or de novo synthesis of cyclooxygenase products.     

Placental vascular responses to leukotriene receptor antagonist FPL 55712

We have previously shown that FPL 55712, a specific leukotriene receptor antagonist, potentiates estrogen induced uterine hyperemia in nonpregnant rabbits. We therefore chose to investigate the vascular responses of pregnant rabbits to leukotriene blockade. Nine unanesthetized animals carrying 46 viable fetuses were used in this study. Regional blood flows were measured by the radioactive microsphere technique. In 5 rabbits control blood flows were measured after vehicle administration and FPL 55712, 1 mg/kg bolus, followed by infusion of 100 micrograms/kg/min was given via the jugular vein. Regional blood flows were measured again after 10 minutes of infusion. The procedural order was reversed in the remaining 4 animals. Resistance was calculated as mean arterial pressure divided by total flow to an organ. FPL 55712 decreased the blood pressure from 83 +/- 2 to 76 +/- 3 mmHg (P less than .001). Uterine resistance was not significantly changed (387 +/- 44 to 362 +/- 42 mmHg X ml-1 X min X gm), but renal resistance fell from 18.5 +/- 1.1 to 15.1 +/- 1.2 mmHg X ml-1 X min X gm (P less than .01). FPL 55712 induced maternal placental vasodilatation with resistance decreasing from 291 +/- 33 to 261 +/- 31 mmHg X ml-1 X min X gm (P less than .04). Vehicle administration did not cause dilation in any vascular bed. FPL 55712 appears to be a placental vasodilator whose action is most likely due to receptor blockade of the vasoconstrictive endogenous leukotrienes.     

Heterogeneity of leukotriene receptors in guinea-pig trachea

The selective leukotriene (LT) antagonist FPL 55712 antagonized the contractile activity of synthetic LTD4 and E4 on guinea-pig trachea. Schild analysis of the antagonism provided evidence for two distinct receptors for LTD4: one with significantly higher affinity for FPL 55712 than the other. LTE4 appears to interact preferentially with the high affinity receptor.     

Actions of lipoxygenase metabolites in isolated rat lungs

Leukotrienes constrict smooth muscle and could be important for the regulation of the pulmonary circulation. We examined the production and action of lipoxygenase metabolites in isolated lungs, where we controlled the perfusing fluid used. Arachidonate injected into isolated rat lungs perfused with cell- and protein-free physiological salt solution caused a transient pressor response. Following indomethacin, arachidonate caused a delayed slow pressure rise followed by edema. The lung effluent contracted the guinea pig ileum. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the perfusate demonstrated the presence of leukotrienes (LTC4 and LTD4). Diethylcarbamazine, a leukotriene synthesis inhibitor, prevented the slow pressure rise and edema seen after indomethacin plus arachidonate. In lungs perfused with cell- and protein-free physiological salt solution, LTC4, but not LTD4, caused a transient pressure rise followed by a sustained pressure rise. The sustained rise was abolished by a leukotriene-receptor blocker (FPL 55712) but not by indomethacin. In blood-perfused lungs, LTC4 caused only the transient pressure rise that was not blocked by FPL 55712. In lungs perfused with physiological salt solution containing albumin, LTC4 had no effect. We concluded that 1) perfused nonsensitized rat lungs produced LTC4 and LTD4; 2) LTC4 may be a major pulmonary vasoconstrictor; and 3) albumin binding limits the pressor effect of LTC4.     

Biological activities of a chemically synthesized form of leukotriene E4

A chemically synthesized form of leukotriene E₄ (LTE₄) has been studied for its ability to induce contractions in isolated guinea pig ilea, to induce vascular permeability changes in rat skin when injected intradermally, and to induce bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs after intravenous injection. The synthetic compound induced a contraction in the guinea pig ileum which was slower in developing than that induced by histamine but faster in developing than that induced by a crude preparation of SRS-A isolated from guinea pig lung. The compound was 70-fold more active than histamine on the guinea pig ileum (EC₅₀ of 5 × 10^?9 and 3.5 × 10^?7 M, respectively). FPL 55712, a known SRS-A antagonist, exhibited the same potency in blocking the contractions elicited by the synthetic material as it did in blocking contractions produced by guinea pig SRS-A generated biologically (IC₅₀ of 3.5 × 10^?8 M). The synthetic LTE₄ induced a dose dependent increase in vascular permeability in the rat skin which was antagonized by the intravenous injection of FPL 55712 (ID₅₀ of 1.2 mg/kg). The synthetic material was also a potent bronchoconstrictor in the guinea pig when injected intravenously. The bronchoconstriction, too, was antagonized by FPL 55712 when injected intravenously (ID₅₀ of 0.2 mg/kg). In both the rat and guinea pig, FPL 55712 exhibited a short duration of action $\text{in vivo}$. The $\text{in vivo}$ model systems discussed in this study, utilizing the synthetic form of LTE₄ should be useful in the future evaluation of other SRS-A antagonists.     

Arachidonate lipoxygenase inhibitors in guinea-pig isolated trachea. Effects on contractions to antigen and various agonists

We compared the effects of the leukotriene (LT) D4 receptor antagonist FPL55712 and some lipoxygenase inhibitors on contractions of isolated guinea-pig trachea induced by antigen (ovalbumin, OA) and calcium ionophore A23187 in the presence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (5 microM), and by arachidonic acid (AA), melittin and LTD4. FPL55712 (0.1 and 1 microM) inhibited contractions induced by AA (100 microM) and the phospholipase A2 activator melittin (3 micrograms/ml), while the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, 10 microM) was a more effective inhibitor of the melittin response than the AA response. FPL55712 inhibited contractions induced by OA (100 micrograms/ml) more than by A23187 (1 microgram/ml), and these inhibitory effects of FPL55712 were much less in the presence of l-serine-borate complex (45 mM), an inhibitor of LTC4 conversion to LTD4. NDGA (10 microM) had no significant effect on the OA response, whereas the lipoxygenase inhibitors 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone (phenidone, 10 microM) and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA, 10 microM) clearly inhibited it. In contrast, NDGA and phenidone inhibited the A23187 response, but ETYA had no effect on it. FPL55712, phenidone and ETYA, but not NDGA, had a large inhibitory effect on LTD4-induced contractions, but these inhibitors had no effect on histamine-induced contractions. These results suggest that in the guinea-pig trachea inhibitors of LTD4-induced contractions decrease antigen-induced contractions, whereas lipoxygenase inhibitors reduce the contraction to A23187.     

The mechanism of action of leukotrienes C4 and D4 in guinea-pig isolated perfused lung and parenchymal strips of guinea pig, rabbit and rat

The biological actions of pure slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) from guinea-pig lung, pure slow-reacting substance (SRS) from rat basophilic leukaemia cells (RBL-1) and synthetic leukotrienes C4 (LTC4) and D4 (LTD4) have been investigated on lung tissue from guinea pig, rabbit and rat. In the guinea pig, the leukotrienes released cyclo-oxygenase products from the perfused lung and contracted strips of parenchyma. The effects of SRS-A, SRS and LTD4 were indistinguishable. LTC4 and LTD4 had similar actions although LTD4 was more potent than LTC4. Indomethacin (1 microgram/ml) inhibited the release of cyclo-oxygenase products from perfused guinea-pig lung and caused a marked reduction in contractions of guinea-pig parenchymal strips (GPP) due to LTC4 and LTD4. The residual contraction of the GPP was abolished by FPL 55712 (0.5 - 1.0 microgram/ml). It appears, therefore, that a major part of the constrictor actions of LTC4 and LTD4 in guinea-pig lung are mediated by myotropic cyclo-oxygenase products, i.e. thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and prostaglandins (PGs). In rabbit and rat lung, however, SRS-A, SRS and the leukotrienes were much less potent in contracting parenchymal strips and there was little evidence of the release of cyclo-oxygenase products. FPL 55712 at a concentration of 1 microgram/ml failed to antagonise leukotriene-induced contractions.     

Effects of platelet activating factor (PAF) and its receptor antagonist BN 52021 on isolated perfused guinea-pig heart

The cardiac effects of PAF and its antagonist BN 52021 have been investigated on the isolated perfused guinea-pig heart maintained at a constant hydrostatic perfusion pressure of 80 cm water. In this model, PAF (1 x 10(-11) to 1 x 10(-7) moles) induced a dose-dependent coronary vasoconstriction, a decrease in heart rate and a fall in contractile force. BN 52021 (1 x 10(-6) to 2 x 10(-4) M) dose-dependently inhibited the vasospasm induced by PAF (1 x 10(-10) moles). BN 52021 also antagonized the decrease in coronary flow and heart rate, but not that of contractile force induced by a high dose of PAF (1 x 10(-7) moles). This dose of PAF also significantly (p less than 0.001) provoked a marked release of TxB2 but did not alter the generation of 6 Keto PGF1 alpha, PGE2 or LTC4. The PAF-induced increase in TxB2 release was completely abolished by BN 52021.     

Leukotriene C4 binding to rat lung membranes

A high affinity binding site for leukotriene C4 (LTC4), one component of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis, has been identified in a membrane preparation from rat lung. As measured by a filtration technique, [3H]LTC4 binding was saturable, specific, reversible, and heat-sensitive. In the presence of 20 mM CaCl2, the dissociation constant (KD) was 41 +/- 9 nM and the maximum number of binding sites (Bmax) was 31 +/- 10 pmol/mg of protein. Specificity was demonstrated by competition studies in which LTC4 had a Ki of 40 nM against specifically bound [3H]LTC4, whereas leukotriene D4 (LTD4) had a Ki of 4 microM. The stereoisomers (5R, 6R) LTC4, (5S, 6S) LTC4, and (5R, 6S) LTC4 had Ki values 3-, 15-, and 25-fold higher than that of natural (5S, 6R) LTC4. Leukotrienes E4 and B4, several prostaglandins and fatty acids, glutathione, and platelet activating factor were even less effective with Ki values above 10 microM. A slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis antagonist, FPL 55712, which, in some systems, distinguishes LTC4- from LTD4-induced contractions, was a weak competitor with a Ki of 16 microM. Serine-borate complex which inhibits gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, an enzyme responsible for LTC4 metabolism, did not alter binding. In addition, 100 microM FPL 55712 did not reduce metabolism. These observations suggest that the binding observed for LTC4 may represent association with a physiological receptor for this molecule which has a relatively low affinity for LTD4.     

Differentiation of the mechanisms by which leukotrienes C4 and D4 elicit contraction of the guinea pig trachea

The contractions elicited by leukotriene (LT) C4 and D4 in isolated guinea pig trachea were characterized under conditions in which LTC4 to LTD4 metabolism was blocked by the presence of 45 mM l-serine-borate complex (SB). The presence of SB caused a shift of the LTC4-concentration-response curve to the left by 7.5-fold, and blocked the bioconversion of LTC4 to LTD4 by the trachea as estimated by HPLC analysis of the LTs present in the tissue bath fluid. The potency of FPL 55712 as an antagonist of the LTC4-induced contractions in the presence of SB was 15-30-fold less than its potency as an antagonist of the LTD4-induced contractions. In contrast, another LT antagonist, SK&F 101132, equally antagonized the contractions elicited by LTC4 and LTD4 in either the presence or absence of SB. The differential antagonism of LTC4 and LTD4 implies the existence of multiple pharmacologic receptors for the LTs. The calcium channel entry blockers, nifedipine and verapamil, at concentrations as high as 10 microM, suppressed the maximal LTC4-induced contraction by no more than 20%, whereas the purported intracellular calcium antagonist, TMB-8, completely suppressed the LTC4 concentration-response curve in the presence of SB, a profile identical to that previously reported for LTD4. Thus, if multiple LT receptors exist, they appear to mobilize calcium in a qualitatively similar fashion following LT stimulation.     

Importance of vasoconstriction in lipid mediator-induced pulmonary edema

Lipid mediators of inflammation cause pulmonary edema, yet it is unclear to what degree hemodynamic alterations or increased vascular permeability contribute to lung edema formation. The isolated rat lung preparation was used to examine the effect of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) on pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa), lung microvascular pressure (Pmv), lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, and the 125I-albumin escape index. We first defined the response of the isolated rat lung perfused with protein-free salt solution to hydrodynamic stress by raising the lung outflow pressure. Sustained elevation of the lung outflow pressure less than 5.5 cmH2O (4.01 mmHg) caused a negligible increase in Ppa and wet-to-dry lung weight ratio. Elevation of outflow pressures greater than 7.5 cmH2O (5.4 mmHg) increased the vascular albumin escape index more than the lung wet-to-dry weight ratio. Dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (db-cAMP) inhibited the increase in albumin escape index because of increased lung outflow pressure, suggesting perhaps a pressure-independent microvascular membrane effect of db-cAMP. Both LTC4 (2-micrograms bolus) and PAF (2-2,000 ng/ml perfusate) increased the albumin escape index in association with increases in Ppa and Pmv. Because the increased albumin escape index after LTC4 or PAF injection was largely accounted for by the increased vascular pressures and because db-cAMP and papaverine inhibited the rise in vascular pressures and in the albumin escape index, we conclude that vasoconstriction is an important contributor to LTC4- and PAF-induced edema formation in rat lungs.