| Abstract: | The effect of leukotriene E4 (LTE4) on the cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance was studied. It was shown to damage the heart pump function and to cause spasms of peripheral resistive vessels. LTE4 was also found to induce constriction of heart and cerebral human arteries due to calcium entering myoplasm from the environment and intracellular depot. Low LTE4 concentrations enhanced vascular wall sensitivity to different vasoactive agents, including thromboxane A2. Prostacyclin appeared to be LTE4 antagonist, preventing its vasoconstrictive action. The role of LTE4 as a systemic vasoconstrictive agent is discussed. |
