Leukotrienes and the lung.

The history, biosynthetic pathways and biological activities of the leukotrienes have been reviewed. These extremely potent substances probably play a major role in the manifestations of reversible obstructive airways disease and possibly in other diseases of the lung. Their relative contribution remains to be determined and awaits the development of an antagonist or 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor which can be safely administered to man. Perhaps in man in vivo, as has been shown in vitro with human airways tissues [100], the combination of an antihistamine and a leukotriene antagonist will prevent antigen-induced and possibly other forms of airways smooth muscle constriction.