[The significance of leukotrienes in pathophysiology of bronchial asthma--therapy perspectives].

Leukotrienes, products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid, are pro-inflammatory mediators with various biological activities, including mechanisms relevant to the pathogenesis of bronchoobturation in bronchial asthma. This article reviews the evidence on their role in the pathophysiology of asthma as well as on the efficacy of recently developed antileukotriene agents. Leukotriene receptor antagonists and synthesis of inhibitors show promise as a new pharmacologic approach to the treatment of this disease.