Effect of long-chain alkylamines on arachidonate metabolism in macrophages.

The two long-chain alkylamines RO 31-4493 and RO 31-4639 inhibit in a concentration-dependent manner the zymosan-induced release of arachidonic acid, the conversion of arachidonic acid into thromboxane, prostaglandin E2 and D2 and the uptake and incorporation of exogenously added arachidonate into membrane lipids of liver macrophages. The generation of superoxide and the formation of inositol phosphates is not influenced by both agents. These results suggest a rather specific interaction of RO 31-4493 and RO 31-4639 with enzymes involved in the cellular metabolism of arachidonic acid.