Opsonized bacteria stimulate leukotriene synthesis in human leukocytes.

Incubation of human leukocytes with opsonized bacteria led to leukotriene formation. The main products identified were leukotriene B4, 20-OH leukotriene B4 and 20-COOH leukotriene B4. A lesser amount of leukotriene C4 was formed. In contrast, only minor amounts of leukotrienes were formed by leukocytes challenged with uncoated bacteria. However, both opsonized and unopsonized bacteria stimulated the synthesis of 5S,12S-DHETE and 5S,12S,20-THETE. Opsonized bacteria caused a transient elevation of leukotriene B4 levels, with a maximum after 5 min. After 20 min of incubation the levels of 20-OH leukotriene B4, and 20-COOH leukotriene B4 were 7- and 20-times higher than those of leukotriene B4, showing that the leukocytes effectively degrade leukotriene B4 via omega-oxidation. In the light of the profound biological effects of leukotrienes, the present report indicates that leukotriene formation induced by opsonized bacteria might be important in the host defense against microorganisms.