Metabolism of leukotriene B4 by polymorphonuclear granulocytes of severely burned patients

Abstract

Leukotriene B₄ release from polymorphonuclear granulocytes of severely burned patients was reduced as compared to healthy donor cells. This decrease is due to an enhanced conversion of LTB₄ into the 20-hydroxy- and 20-carboxy-metabolites and further to a decreased LTB₄-synthesis. In addition, studies on the exogenous LTB₄-conversion revealed an unidentified compound which was derived from LTB₄. Our data suggest a modulation of the enzymatic activities involved in ω-oxidation of LTB₄ (isoenzymes of cytochrome P-450).