Metabolism and biologic effects of 5-oxoeicosanoids on human neutrophils.

5-Oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) is a recently discovered metabolite of arachidonic acid that activates human neutrophils by a mechanism independent of the receptor for leukotriene B4 (LTB4). The objectives of this study were to identify the major metabolites of 5-oxo-ETE in neutrophils and to compare the biologic activities of 5-oxo-ETE with those of its metabolites and other 5-oxoeicosanoids. Neutrophils rapidly converted 5-oxo-ETE to its omega-oxidation product, 5-oxo-20-hydroxy-6E,8Z,11Z,14Z- eicosatetraenoic acid. This compound was nearly 100 times less potent than 5-oxo-ETE in elevating cytosolic calcium levels in neutrophils. Methylation of the carboxyl group of 5-oxo-ETE resulted in a 20-fold loss of potency, whereas replacement of the 8,9-cis double bond by a trans double bond reduced potency by about sixfold. Similar results were obtained for the effects of the above compounds on neutrophil migration. 5-Oxo-20-hydroxy-6E,8Z,11Z,14Z- eicosatetraenoic acid, 5-oxo-8-trans-ETE, and 5-oxo-ETE methyl ester desensitized neutrophils to 5-oxo-ETE. 5-Oxo-ETE-induced calcium mobilization was inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. 5-Oxo metabolites of 6-trans-LTB4 and 12-epi-6-trans-LTB4 had weak stimulatory effects on calcium levels and migration that appeared to be mediated primarily by stimulation of LTB4 receptors. These studies indicate that the 5-oxo group, the omega-end of the molecule, and the carboxyl group are all important for the biologic activity of 5-oxo-ETE, which may be mediated by a G protein-linked receptor. The biologic activity of 5-oxo-ETE can be terminated by omega-oxidation.