External ocular inflammatory effects of lipoxygenase enzyme products.

We systematically observed the effects of lipoxygenase enzyme products (5-, 8-, 9-, 12-, and 15-HETE and leukotrienes (LT) C4, D4, and B4) on the external ocular inflammatory process in rabbits. Our results, using 1 and 10 micrograms enzymatic preparations topically applied to the conjunctiva, were consistent with the potent chemotactic activity of 12-HETE and LTB4. Modulation of the inflammatory process can be accomplished better, as a result of our findings, by inhibition of both the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways.