Reversal of leukotriene D4 hypotension by thyrotropin-releasing hormone.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) reversed the hypotension produced by leukotriene D4 (LTD4) (5 micrograms/kg, i.v.) in conscious guinea pigs in a dose-dependent fashion at intravenous doses between 0.2 and 2.0 mg/kg. LTD4 hypotension was also reversed by the synthetic TRH analog MK771 (0.2 or 2 mg/kg, i.v.), suggesting a possible receptor-mediated mechanism. Since LTD4 has been implicated as a mediator of anaphylaxis, these results provide a basis for further evaluation of TRH and its analogs in the treatment of anaphylactic shock.