leukotriene production involved in inflammatory response

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The synthesis or release of any leukotriene following a stimulus as part of an inflammatory response, resulting in an increase in its intracellular or extracellular levels. [GOC:add, ISBN:0781735149]

Leukotriene production is a complex biological process intricately involved in the inflammatory response. It begins with the activation of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid found in cell membranes, by the enzyme phospholipase A2. This activation releases arachidonic acid, which then undergoes a series of enzymatic transformations catalyzed by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase. 5-lipoxygenase converts arachidonic acid into leukotriene A4 (LTA4), an unstable intermediate. LTA4 is then further metabolized by two distinct pathways, leading to the production of different leukotrienes with varying biological functions. The first pathway involves the enzyme leukotriene A4 hydrolase, which converts LTA4 into leukotriene B4 (LTB4). LTB4 is a potent chemoattractant and activator of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, and plays a critical role in the recruitment of these cells to sites of inflammation. The second pathway involves the enzyme leukotriene C4 synthase, which converts LTA4 into leukotriene C4 (LTC4). LTC4 is a sulfidopeptide leukotriene that binds to CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptors on various cell types, including smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and mast cells. LTC4 is then further metabolized to LTD4 and LTE4, which also act as potent bronchoconstrictors and vasoconstrictors. The production of leukotrienes, particularly LTB4 and LTC4, contributes significantly to the inflammatory response by mediating several key events, including vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, bronchoconstriction, and chemotaxis of inflammatory cells. These effects ultimately lead to the characteristic features of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, pain, and heat.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (165)