Leukotriene B4 production in children with steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome.

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production in polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) was examined in ten children with steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) before, during, and after steroid administration. Comparison of LTB4 production was made in 14 children with non-inflammatory disease who were not receiving steroid therapy. No significant change was noted in PMN LTB4 biosynthesis in children with SRNS throughout any phase of the disease. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in LTB4 biosynthesis in PMN between SRNS patients before steroid therapy and patients with non-inflammatory disease. These findings suggest that inhibition of LTB4 production is not involved in the mechanism underlying steroid action in SRNS.