Leukotrienes: clinical significance.

The leukotrienes, so named because of their initial identification in leukocyte preparations and the presence of three conjugated double bonds (a conjugated triene), are metabolites of the same polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., arachidonic acid) that give rise to the prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and several other families of biologically active lipids. Their potential clinical importance derives from their effects on vascular and other smooth muscle reactivity and on leukocyte function. Several leukotrienes may markedly influence the cellular and vascular responses that constitute an integral part of hypersensitivity and inflammatory reactions of the skin. Preliminary data from several laboratories have been presented that implicate a specific leukotriene in the evolution of the lesions of psoriasis.