Phlogistic activity of leukotriene D4 in the mouse.

An investigation of the phlogistic activity of LTD4 in the mouse was accomplished by examination of its ability to cause increased capillary permeability and edema formation following subcutaneous administration. It was observed that nanogram quantities of LTD4 caused edema and increased capillary permeability in a dose-related manner. The increase in capillary permeability was not inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin and thus was unrelated to the production of cyclo-oxygenase products. These data suggest that LTD4 can mediate the edematous phase of the inflammatory response in the mouse and illustrate the sensitivity of this species to LTD4.