A rapid method for detecting inhibitors of both cyclo-oxygenase lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid.

A method for detecting inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism is described. Guinea pig peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes incubated with [14C] arachidonic acid were stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187. The radiolabelled products were identified by HPLC and GC/MS as cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolites. A TLC system was utilized to separate these metabolites which were then analysed by automatic quantitative scanning. This method allowed rapid determination of the radiolabel incorporated into each metabolite. This method of analysis was used to study the actions of indomethacin, NDGA, benoxaprofen, and BW775C on the formation of radiolabelled arachidonic acid metabolites.