In vivo evidence for the chemotactic activity of cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-dependent compounds using a corneal implantation technique.

Cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-dependent compounds of arachidonic acid were studied in a corneal implantation technique concerning their chemotactic activity for polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Arachidonic acid, prostaglandins A1, A2, B2, I2, thromboxane A2 and leukotriene D4 showed no activity, whereas leukotriene B4 was the most potent chemoattractant substance for polymorphonuclear leukocytes, followed by 5-HETE, prostaglandins E2 and E1. This gives evidence for the decisive role of some prostaglandins and leukotrienes in inflammation in general, and in corneal inflammatory processes in special.