Leukotriene C4 action and metabolism in the isolated perfused bullfrog heart.

The effects of leukotrienes (LTs) have been widely studied in the isolated perfused mammalian heart; however, little is known about the effect or metabolism of LTs in the isolated bullfrog heart. Isolated perfused bullfrog hearts were administered randomized doses of LTC4, LTD4, or LTE4. The cardiac parameters of heart rate, developed tension, and its first derivative (dT/dt) were recorded. LTC4 was the most potent of the leukotrienes tested in eliciting positive inotropic effects. LTD4 and LTE4 were equally effective but about one order of magnitude less potent than LTC4. None of the LTs showed any chronotropic effects in this preparation. A series of [3H]LTC4 metabolism experiments were carried out using whole perfused hearts and minced bullfrog heart tissue. Isolated perfused bullfrog hearts administered [3H]LTC4 converted significant amounts to [3H]LTD4, and to a lesser degree, [3H]LTE4, during the 6-min course of collection. Both minced atrial and ventricular tissue converted [3H]LTC4 to radioactive metabolites that co-migrated with authentic LTD4 and LTE4 standards. In both tissues, the major product was [3H]LTD4, with smaller amounts of [3H]LTE4 produced. The atrium converted significantly more [3H]LTC4 to its metabolites than did the ventricle. The metabolism of [3H]LTC4 to [3H]LTD4 by both tissues was virtually abolished in the presence of serine borate. Cysteine had no effect on [3H]LTE4 production. The data in this study demonstrate that leukotrienes have the opposite inotropic effect on the heart when compared with mammals. Also in contrast to mammals, frogs metabolize LTC4 to a less potent compound and may use the LTC4 to LTD4 conversion as a mechanism of LTC4 inactivation.