Leukotrienes C4 and D4 promote angiogenesis via a receptor-mediated interaction.

The involvement of leukotrienes in angiogenesis was investigated in the in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane system. In this system leukotrienes C4 and D4 promoted angiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. Leukotriene B4 was ineffective. The potent and selective peptidyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, SK&F 104353-Z2, abolished the angiogenic effects of leukotrienes C4 and D4 and reduced unstimulated angiogenesis. These results indicate that leukotrienes C4 and D4 promote angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane via a receptor-mediated interaction.