The role of arachidonate lipoxygenase in the release of SRS-A from guinea-pig chopped lung

Slow-reacting substances and their structural elucidation

For more than forty years since their discovery, the structure of a group of closely related materials known collectively as slow-reacting substances has been unknown. These substances are released from a variety of tissues in response to immunological or non-immunological stimulation. A slow-reacting substance is believed to be implicated in hypersensitivity reactions such as asthma; in order to fully understand its bronchoconstrictor role, the structural elucidation of these materials has been a necessary (albeit difficult) task. Studies on both immunologically generated slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) and other slow-reacting substances (SRSs) have indicated a precursor role for arachidonic acid in their biosynthesis; this, coupled with enzymic and chemical activity destruction data, gave an insight into the structure of these moieties. In order to define the structure of these materials homogeneous SRS-A was required; a purification scheme was developed relying on the high resolution separative capability of reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography, resulting in extensively purified SRS-A. It was then possible to demonstrate that SRS-A possessed a characteristic ultraviolet spectrum, allowing us for the first time to define a major structural moiety in the molecule (conjugated triene). To complement studies on, and to act as a model for the more pathologically relevant SRS-A, a slow-reacting substance was produced from rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL-1) cells. The structure of this biologically active species has been determined by mass spectrometric examination of the intact molecule as a derivative, together with analytical protein chemical studies, and shown to be the novel peptidolipid 5-hydroxy-6-cysteinylglycinyl-7,9,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid.

Lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase products in the control of regional kidney blood flow in rabbits

1. The aim of the present study was to examine the roles of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)- and lipoxygenase (LOX)-dependent arachidonate signalling cascades in the control of regional kidney blood flow. 2. In pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rabbits treated with NG-nitro-l-arginine and glyceryl trinitrate to 'clamp' nitric oxide, we determined the effects of ibuprofen (a COX inhibitor) and esculetin (a LOX inhibitor) on resting systemic and renal haemodynamics and responses to renal arterial infusions of vasoconstrictors. 3. Ibuprofen increased mean arterial pressure (14 +/- 5%) and reduced medullary laser Doppler flux (MLDF; 26 +/- 6%) when administered with esculetin. A similar pattern of responses was observed when ibuprofen was given alone, although the reduction in MLDF was not statistically significant. Esculetin tended to increase renal blood flow (RBF; 16 +/- 7%) and MLDF (28 +/- 13%) when given alone, but not when combined with ibuprofen. 4. After vehicle, renal arterial infusions of noradrenaline, angiotensin II and endothelin-1 reduced RBF and cortical laser Doppler flux (CLDF), but not MLDF. In contrast, renal arterial [Phe2,Ile3,Orn8]-vasopressin reduced MLDF but not RBF or CLDF. Ibuprofen alone did not significantly affect these responses. Esculetin, when given alone, but not when combined with ibuprofen, enhanced noradrenaline-induced renal vasoconstriction. In contrast, esculetin did not significantly affect responses to [Phe2,Ile3,Orn8]-vasopressin, angiotensin II or endothelin-1. 5. We conclude that COX products contribute to the maintenance of arterial pressure and renal medullary perfusion under 'nitric oxide clamp' conditions, but not to renal haemodynamic responses to the vasoconstrictors we tested. Lipoxygenase products may blunt noradrenaline-induced vasoconstriction, but our observations may, instead, reflect LOX-independent effects of esculetin.

Effect of cyclooxygenase inhibition in a canine model of unilateral pulmonary occlusion and reperfusion

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclofenac in a canine model of pulmonary occlusion and reperfusion of the left lower lobe (LLL).

DESIGN

Twelve adult beagle dogs (13-17 kg) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 6) and a diclofenac-treated group (n = 6). Animals in the treatment group received 20 mg diclofenac sodium/kg as a single dose both before the experiment and at the end of surgical preparation; six animals served as controls.

INTERVENTIONS

In the anesthetized animals, the left upper and middle lobes were resected. Circulation and ventilation of the LLL were selectively blocked by clamping. Complete occlusion of the LLL (30 min) was followed by periods of selective reperfusion (10 min, RP) and combined reperfusion and reventilation (120 min, RP/RV).

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Reperfusion of the LLL resulted in a significant increase in pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa) in the early RP/RV period as compared to baseline values (25.3 +/- 4.7 vs 15.8 +/- 1.9 mmHg, p < 0.05, paired t-test). This increase was significantly inhibited in the diclofenac-treated animals (17.0 +/- 2.0 mmHg, p < 0.01 vs controls, ANOVA). Gravimetrically determined extravascular lung water (EVLW) showed no significant difference in the continuously ventilated lobes of the right lung between diclofenac-treated animals (3.8 ml/g dry weight) and controls (3.9 +/- 0.9 ml/g dry weight) at the end of the experiment. EVLW, however, increased significantly in the LLL of control animals after 2 h of combined reperfusion and reventilation, whereas this increase was significantly inhibited in the diclofenac-treated animals (4.5 +/- 0.7 ml/g dry weight in the diclofenac group vs 6.5 +/- 1.3 ml/g dry weight in the control group, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Diclofenac inhibits the increase in both pulmonary arterial pressure and EVLW during reperfusion and reventilation of LLL. Thus, these changes appear to be mediated by cyclooxygenase metabolites.

Changes in contractile responses of the urinary bladder to substance P in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

1. Functional changes in the urinary bladder obtained from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were investigated by determining the responsiveness of bladder strips to capsaicin or substance P (SP). 2. Contractile responses of detrusor strips of the urinary bladder in response to capsaicin were almost abolished in both diabetic rats and capsaicin-pretreated rats. 3. Maximal contractions of diabetic detrusor strips induced by SP were significantly increased when compared to age-matched controls. 4. In contrast to the contractile responses to SP, the density of SP receptors was significantly decreased in diabetic rats. 5. The increased contractile responses to SP were markedly decreased by treatment with indomethacin, OKY-046 or quinacrine, but not with nordihydroguaiaretic acid. 6. Contractile responses of detrusor strips to prostaglandin F2 alpha and E2 were unchanged in the diabetic state. 7. These results suggest that the increased contractile responses of detrusor strips of the bladder to SP in the diabetic state are due to increased synthesis of prostaglandins and/or thromboxane A2 via the increased activity of phospholipase A2 on the smooth muscle of the diabetic bladder.

The antiinflammatory effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid in endotoxin induced uveitis in rabbits

The authors evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and dexamethasone on an endotoxin induced uveitis (EIU) model, in rabbits. Six groups of 12 rabbits were formed. In groups II to V a uveitis was induced by an intravitreal injection of 5 ul of saline, containing 10 ng of endotoxin of Salmonella typhi. In group I, which is considered as the control, an intravitreal injection of 5 ul of saline was given. Each group received a different treatment and the inflammatory reaction was evaluated after 24 hours, quantifying the following parameters: clinical scoring, cells, proteins, PGE2, LTB4 in the aqueous and histopathological scoring. Compared to group II (non treated), group VI (treated with intraperitoneal 2 mg/kg dexamethasone) showed a decrease of 61% of proteins and LTB4, and a decrease of more than 90% of the other parameters studied. All these differences are statistically significant (p < 0.001). In groups III (intraperitoneal NDGA 10 mg/kg), IV and V (NDGA 1% topically every two and four hours respectively), the proteins showed a change of less than 5.5% and the PGE2 was reduced to around 50% compared to group II; these changes are not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The authors observed an important and significant decrease of the other parameters when compared to group II (p < 0.001). It can be concluded that at the doses given here, NDGA shows an effective action on the lipoxygenase pathway without an increase of the production of PGE2.

Attenuation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in acute oleic acid lung injury--significance of vasodilator prostanoids

To assess a significant role of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, HPV, on maintaining the gas exchange efficiency in acute lung injury, 24 mongrel dogs were treated with intravenously injecting 0.07 ml/kg of oleic acid. Hemodynamic and gas-exchange parameters were investigated at varied inspired O2 concentration, FIO2. To know a possible contribution of vasoactive prostanoids in regulating vascular reactivity under these circumstances, observations were repeated after infusion of indomethacin. The impairment of gas exchange in injured lungs was examined by measuring the fractional retention, R, of the gas in arterial blood. For this evaluation, a normal saline containing five foreign inert gases such as sulfur hexafluoride, SF6, ethane, cyclopropane, halothane and diethyl ether was infused at a constant rate through a peripheral vein. After a steady state was established, the expired gas was collected and the samples of both arterial and mixed venous blood were simultaneously taken for the inert-gas analysis. The concentrations of the indicator gases in the samples were measured in terms of a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector for SF6 and a flame ionization detector for the other four gases. Although pulmonary vascular resistance, PVR, after injecting oleic acid at FIO2 0.60 was significantly smaller than that obtained at FIO2 0.21, cardiac output, QT as well as extravascular lung water were not different between the two conditions. R value for the indicator gas was consistently lower at FIO2 0.60 irrespective of the gas species. As increasing FIO2, R estimate concerning SF6, RSF6, rational index of the fractional blood flow perfusing shunt area, decreased significantly. Administration of indomethacin caused the rise in PVR without an appreciable change in either QT or extravascular lung water but a considerable diminution in R value for the inert gas. RSF6 after infusion of indomethacin decreased from 0.35 to 0.27, accompanied by a significant rise in arterial PO2 from 84 to 99 Torr. The findings are highly compatible with the idea that HPV is distinctly attenuated in diseases areas induced by oleic acid probably due to a local accumulation of vasodilator prostanoids. Inhibiting prostanoid biosynthesis may selectively enhance the vascular reactivity to O2 in shunt vessels and may redistribute the perfusion from shunt to relatively normal areas, thereby improving gas exchange at alveolar region without altering the total amount of extravascular lung water.

Eicosanoids and linoleate-enhanced growth of mouse mammary tumor cells

Metastatic mouse mammary tumor cell line 4526 was used to determine whether linoleate (LN)-derived cyclooxygenase metabolites were involved in the mechanism of LN-enhanced 4526 tumor growth. Unstimulated line 4526 cells converted LN to both PGE1 and PGE2 in serum free medium (SFM). However, neither prostaglandin (PG) influenced growth, while db-cGMP, but not db-cAMP, stimulated growth to the same extent as LN. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors stimulated growth while suppressing PG synthesis. Lipoxygenase inhibitors decreased growth in a dose dependent manner. Supplemental LN had no effect on cyclooxygenase inhibition while the IC50s for lipoxygenase inhibition were increased several fold. These results indicate that lipoxygenase products rather than cyclooxygenase metabolites play a major role in LN-stimulated growth of line 4526 cells.

Atropine-resistant relaxation induced by high K+ in iris dilator muscle of the rat and pig

1. The effects of high K+ ion concentration on the isometric tension in dilator muscle strips of the rat and porcine iris were examined. A high K+ solution, prepared by the replacement of Na+ in the medium with equimolar K+, was applied in the presence of 1 microM phentolamine, 1 microM propranolol and 1 or 10 microM atropine. High K+ (greater than 20 mM) induced a biphasic response; an initial phasic contraction followed by relaxation rather than tonic contraction. 2. An additional application of a Ca2+ antagonist, 1 microM nifedipine or nicardipine, almost completely blocked the K(+)-induced initial contraction and enhanced the following relaxation. The effect of K+ under these conditions was concentration-dependent in the range 20 to 80 mM. The maximum amplitude of the atropine-resistant relaxation induced by high K+ corresponds to 50-75% of that produced by acetylcholine in the absence of atropine. A similar K(+)-induced relaxation was observed in the porcine iris dilator. 3. The atropine-resistant relaxation in the rat iris dilator was not affected by pretreatment with 10 microM ouabain. The relaxation induced by 40 or 80 mM K+ in the porcine dilator was slightly enhanced or not affected, respectively, in the presence of 1 microM ouabain. Application of 10 microM ouabain per se induced relaxation in the porcine iris dilator. 4. The low Na+ ion concentration present in high K+ solutions was not responsible for the K(+)-induced relaxation since the complete replacement of Na in the medium with Tris did not affect significantly the relaxation produced by high K(+)-containing solutions. 5. Neither 1 microM tetrodotoxin, 10 microM indomethacin, 10 JM nordihydroguaiaretic acid nor hypoxic conditions affected the high K+-induced relaxation. 6. The inherent tone of the rat iris dilator was not affected by either 8-bromo cyclic GMP, dibutyryl cyclic GMP (0.1-0.3 mM) or nitroprusside (1-100 microM). 7. These results may suggest that the atropine-resistant relaxation induced by high K+ is not due to either activation of the Na-K pump or release of a relaxing factor produced by oxidative metabolism. Although the relaxation mechanism has not been elucidated, it is probably not mediated by an increase in cellular cyclic GMP levels.

A novel enhancing effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) on glucose oxidation in uteri from pregnant rats. Participation of prostaglandins and leukotrienes

The effects of platelet activating factor (PAF) on glucose oxidation in uterine strips isolated from rats in the 4 th and 5 th day of pregnancy, were explored. PAF, at a concentration of 10(-10) and 10(-8) M, augmented significantly the generation of 14CO2 from labelled glucose in uteri from pregnant rats in the 4 th day of pregnancy. When the tissue was obtained from 5 days pregnant rats, the addition of PAF at 10(-8) increased significantly more than PAF at 10(-10) M the metabolism of glucose. On the other hand, PAF at 10(-8) M failed to alter the uterine basal production of 14CO2 from labelled glucose in animals at estrus. BN52021, a specific PAF antagonist employed at 10(-5) M, blocked completely the action of PAF in the pregnant rat uterus. PGE1, PGE2 and PGF2 alpha enhanced significantly the formation of 14CO2 from labelled glucose in uteri from 5 days pregnant rats. Indomethacin, a well known inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, did not alter the basal glucose metabolism in uteri from 5 days pregnant rats, but antagonized completely the stimulating action of PAF on 14CO2 production from labelled glucose an effect that was partially reverted by the addition of PGE1, PGE2 or PGF2 alpha (10(-7) M). Furthermore, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDHGA), a specific inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase at 10(-5) M, as well as FPL-55712, an antagonist of leukotrienes (LTs), at the same concentration, blocked the action of PAF on the metabolism of glucose. The action of NDHGA was partially counteracted by the addition of LTC4 at 10(-7) M.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of leukotriene antagonists, lipoxygenase inhibitors and selected standards on leukotriene-mediated allergic bronchospasm in guinea pigs

Leukotrienes (LT) C4, D4, and E4 are major contributors to the pathobiology of human bronchial asthma. Therefore, it is likely that compounds that antagonize the action or inhibit the formation of LTs will be useful therapeutic agents. We have studied the effects of LT antagonists, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors and selected standards in a model of LT-mediated allergic bronchospasm in guinea pigs. Sensitized animals were pretreated with mepyramine, indomethacin and propranolol to eliminate the influence of histamine, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and circulating catecholamines. In these animals, inhalation of antigen resulted in a bronchospasm consistent with a LT-mediated response that was slow in onset, of long duration and was inhibited by the selective LTD4, antagonists FPL-55712, LY-171,883 and ICI-198,615. ICI-198,615 was approximately 50-times more potent than FPL-55712 by the intravenous and intratracheal routes. However, of thirteen compounds known to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and LT biosynthesis in vitro only phenidone, piriprost and AA-861 were active in this in vivo model. The allergic bronchospasm was inhibited by bronchodilators (e.g. PGE2, aminophylline and forskolin) and by some mast cell stabilizers, but was otherwise insensitive to other pharmacological classes of compounds including calcium channel blockers and antagonists of serotonin, acetylcholine and platelet-activating factor. This model seems useful and reasonably selective for the evaluation of new antianaphylactic compounds that are LT antagonists. The inactivity of many 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors in this model suggests they do not inhibit LT formation in vivo.

Stimulation of histamine release and arachidonic acid metabolism in rat peritoneal mast cells by thapsigargin, a non-TPA-type tumor promoter

Thapsigargin, a non-TPA-type tumor promoter, releases histamine and stimulates arachidonic acid metabolism in rat peritoneal mast cells. In order to clarify the relationship between the histamine-releasing activity and the arachidonic acid metabolism-stimulating activity of thapsigargin in mast cells, the effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors, indomethacin and ibuprofen, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, AA861, and dual inhibitors for cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, nordihydroguaiaretic acid and BW755C, on histamine release and arachidonic acid metabolism were examined. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the peritoneal mast cells preferentially produce prostaglandin D2 by thapsigargin treatment. These inhibitors suppressed thapsigargin-induced prostaglandin D2 production in a dose-dependent manner, but failed to inhibit histamine release, suggesting that the mechanisms for stimulation of histamine release by thapsigargin is not dependent on increased arachidonic acid metabolism. Time-course experiments of histamine release and the release of radioactivity from [3H]arachidonic acid-labeled mast cells also provide evidence for a difference in mechanism.

The influences of leukotriene C4 on the metabolism of labelled glucose in uteri isolated from ovariectomized and from ovariectomized-estrogenized rats. Effects of indomethacin

The effects of leukotriene C4 (LTC4), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and FPL-55712, on the metabolism of labelled glucose (U14C-glucose) in uteri isolated from spayed rats and from spayed-estrogenized rats, incubated in the presence and in the absence of indomethacin, were explored. Indomethacin (10(-6)M), enhanced significantly 14CO2 formation from labelled glucose, both in uteri from ovariectomized rats and in uteri from ovariectomized-estrogenized animals. In uteri from spayed not-estrogenized rats, expose 'in vitro' to indomethacin, NDGA (10(-5)M), an inhibitor of the 5-lipoxygenase, as well as FPL-55712 (10(-5)M), a LT antagonist, reduced significantly the enhanced metabolism of glucose evoked by indomethacin, an inhibitor of the cyclo- oxygenase. On the other hand, LTC4 (10(-7)M), augmented the metabolism of labelled glucose, reaching values even greater than those induced by indomethacin. In the spayed-estrogenized group LTC4 (10(-10)-10(-7)M) enhanced the formation of labelled CO2 from labelled glucose as much as indomethacin (10(-6)M) did, whereas neither NDGA nor FPL-55712 were effective. In addition, in uteri from ovariectomized-estrogenized rats, incubated with indomethacin, NDGA and FPL-55712, decreased the augmenting action of indomethacin on glucose metabolism, whereas LTC4 (10(-10)-10(-7)M) evoked a complete reversal of the inhibitory influence of NDGA on the formation of 14CO2. The force-going results suggest that tissue 5-lipoxygenase products, particularly LTC4, are involved in the metabolism of labelled glucose by rat uteri, mainly when the cyclo-oxygenase pathway is inhibited by indomethacin and the tissue is deprived of estradiol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The role of cyclic AMP in the inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis by neuropeptides

Certain neuropeptides, including vasoactive intestinal peptide, inhibit peptidoleukotriene release from platelet activating factor-stimulated rat lung. We have now shown that vasoactive intestinal peptide will also inhibit peptidoleukotriene release from platelet activating factor-stimulated or ovalbumin-challenged guinea pig lung, but not from calcium ionophore-stimulated rat or guinea pig lung. In rat lung a pre-incubation with the peptide prior to addition of platelet activating factor was required for the effect to be maximal. When vasoactive intestinal peptide was substituted with cyclic AMP, the inhibitory effect was reproduced. In addition, pre-incubation with MDL 12330A, an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, reduced the inhibitory effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide on platelet activating factor-stimulated leukotriene C4 biosynthesis. We suggest that the inhibition of platelet activating factor-stimulated peptidoleukotriene release in rat lung by vasoactive intestinal peptide involves the events prior to phospholipase A2 activation and requires cyclic AMP as a mediator.

cis-unsaturated fatty acids stimulate catecholamine secretion, tyrosine hydroxylase and protein kinase C in adrenal medullary cells

In digitonin-permeabilized bovine adrenal medullary cells, arachidonic acid and oleic acid, the cis-unsaturated fatty acids, enhanced Ca2+-induced secretion of catecholamines, whereas elaidic acid, a trans-unsaturated fatty acid and stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid, had no effect. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and nordihydroguaiaretic acid, an inhibitor of lipoxygenase, failed to inhibit the stimulatory effect of arachidonic acid. Stimulation of catecholamine secretion by arachidonic acid was abolished by the removal of adenosine 5'-triphosphate and Mg2+ from the incubation medium. Pretreatment of the cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, enhanced Ca2+-induced catecholamine secretion. In cells pretreated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, the stimulatory effect of arachidonic acid on Ca2+-induced catecholamine secretion was greatly reduced. In digitonin-permeabilized cells, arachidonic acid and oleic acid enhanced Ca2+-induced activation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the presence of adenosine 5'-triphosphate and Mg2+, whereas elaidic acid and stearic acid did not activate the enzyme. In a soluble fraction of adrenal medullary cells, 32P incorporation to histone by protein kinase C was increased by arachidonic acid and oleic acid, but not by elaidic acid and stearic acid. These results suggest that cis-unsaturated fatty acids modulate Ca2+-induced catecholamine secretion and tyrosine hydroxylase activity by activation of protein kinase C in adrenal medullary cells.

Sulfidopeptide-leukotrienes are major mediators of arachidonic acid-induced mouse ear edema

The inflammatory response of the mouse ear to topical application of arachidonic acid (2 mg/ear) was examined to study the roles of sulfidopeptide-leukotrienes (LTs) and prostaglandin (PG) E2 as mediators of edema. The increase in ear thickness caused by arachidonic acid (AA) (edema), reached a maximum at 45 to 60 min after AA application. The amounts of immunoreactive LTC4 and immunoreactive PGE2 produced increased significantly in 5 to 10 min, and then diminished gradually over 60 min. 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, dual cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase inhibitors and anti-histamines significantly inhibited AA-induced ear edema. Both production of PGE2 and LTC4 were suppressed by NDGA at 1 mg/ear which also inhibited ear swelling. However aspirin, which enhanced LTC4 production in AA-induced ear edema did not inhibit the ear swelling. Hypodermic injection of LTC4 at 25 ng or PGE2 at 500 ng/ear did not cause swelling, but edema was induced when both compounds were injected simultaneously. Moreover ear swelling was induced by injection of both LTD4 at 50 ng and PGE2 at 500 ng/ear. Furthermore, concomitant injection of histamine, at 500 ng or serotonin at 50 ng/ear with LTC4 at 25 ng caused ear swelling but both compounds at the same dose alone did not induce swelling. These results suggest that AA-induced ear edema is predominantly mediated by LTC4 and other lipoxygenase products while PGE2 (in the presence of LTs) acts to facilitated ear swelling, although serotonin and histamine may also contribute.

Inhibitory effects of a lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid on antagonism of leukotriene C4-induced contractions of isolated guinea-pig trachea

We have studied the effects of a lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) on antagonism of leukotriene (LT) C4-induced contractions of isolated guinea-pig trachea and the results were compared to that of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. NDGA (30 microM) as well as indomethacin (5 microM) inhibited LTC4-induced contractions. But, in the presence of indomethacin NDGA was ineffective to inhibit the LTC4 response, whereas two other lipoxygenase inhibitors, phenidone (3-30 microM) and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA, 10 microM), markedly inhibited it. The antagonist action of an LTD4 receptor antagonist FPL55712 against LTC4-induced contractions was significantly reduced by NDGA (10-30 microM), but indomethacin had no effect on it. NDGA possessed the same inhibitory effect on the LTC4 antagonism in the presence of indomethacin, but 0.3 microM phenidone and 1 microM ETYA which did not inhibit the LTC4 response had no effect on it. NDGA also inhibited the relaxant response of isoproterenol on the contraction elicited by 30 nM LTC4, but did not affect those of forskolin and aminophylline. The relaxant response of isoproterenol on the LTC4 response was not inhibited by indomethacin, 0.3 microM phenidone and 1 microM ETYA. In the presence of a gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase inhibitor, L-serine borate (SB, 45 mM), NDGA had no effect on the LTC4 antagonism and the relaxant response of isoproterenol. In contrast, NDGA significantly inhibited the relaxant response of isoproterenol on 30 microM histamine- and 30 microM acetylcholine-induced contractions, but it did not affect the histamine antagonism by a histamine H1-blocker pyrilamine. These results suggest that some putative non-prostanoids are involved in LTC4-induced contractions of guinea-pig trachea and which regulate the effects of LTD4 antagonism and beta-adrenoceptor activation.

Neuropeptides and leukotriene biosynthesis: the effect of calcitonin, peptide histidine valine-42, helodermin, neuropeptide Y and galanin

The effect of five neuropeptides was tested on platelet activating factor (PAF)-stimulated peptidoleukotriene biosynthesis in rat lungs. Calcitonin and peptide histidine valine-42 (PHV-42) were found to inhibit leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and D4 (LTD4) biosynthesis to an extent similar to the previously reported effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) respectively. Helodermin potently inhibited the biosynthesis of all three peptidoleukotrienes. Neuropeptide Y and galanin, both present in airways, enhanced the levels of LTD4 and had no effect on LTC4 or leukotriene E4 (LTE4) levels. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

Inhibitory effect of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives on arachidonic acid-induced mouse ear oedema

The inhibitory effects of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives were examined on arachidonic acid (AA)-induced ear oedema in mice. Of the compounds, dihemiphthalate derivatives of 18 beta-olean-12-ene-3 beta, 30-diol (IId, IId'), 18 beta-olean-9(11)12-diene-3 beta, 30-diol (IIIa, IIIa') and olean-11, 13(18)-diene-3 beta, 30-diol (IVa, IVa') showed a strong inhibition of ear oedema on both tropical (ID50, 1.9, 2.8 and 1.7 mg/ear, respectively) and oral (ID50, 90, 130 and 88 mg kg-1, respectively) administration. Topical ID50 values were approximately the same potency as nordihydroguaiaretic acid (ID50, 2.1 mg/ear). Given topically these compounds were also capable of inhibiting PGE2 and LTC4 formation at an early stage of AA-induced ear oedema. However, glycyrrhetinic acid (Ia) and deoxoglycyrrhetol (IIa), the fundamental skeletons of the derivatives, showed no detectable inhibition of oedema at a dose of 1 mg/ear (topical) or 200 mg kg-1 (oral). The most effective time for the topical administration of the compound IId against ear oedema was 0-30 min before AA application; this is different from dexamethasone which requires a time lag for reaction. The results suggest that the inhibitory effect of the hemiphthalate compounds (IId, IId', IIIa, IIIa', IVa and IVa') is a direct action, and does not involve the anti-inflammatory action of steroids mediated by the secondary formation of a reactive protein.

Platelet activating factor-mediated leukotriene biosynthesis in rat lungs: effect of prostaglandins E1 and F1 alpha

The effect of prostaglandins E1 and F1 alpha on peptidoleukotriene biosynthesis/release from rat chopped lung stimulated with platelet activating factor was studied. Prostaglandin E1, known to stimulate adenylate cyclase in airways, inhibited the biosynthesis of leukotrienes C4, D4 and E4 and total peptidoleukotrienes whereas prostaglandin F1 alpha, which has no effect on adenylate cyclase, did not exert any effect on total peptidoleukotriene release, though a small inhibition was found for leukotriene D4. Cyclic AMP itself inhibited peptidoleukotriene release from platelet activating factor-stimulated lung, suggesting that the effect of prostaglandin E1 is mediated by cyclic AMP.

Enhancement by parainfluenza 3 infection of contractile responses to substance P and capsaicin in airway smooth muscle from the guinea pig

Guinea pigs were inoculated by nasal insufflation with parainfluenza 3 (P-3) or virus growth medium 4 days before performing in vitro pharmacologic studies on left bronchial ring segments. Cumulative dose-response studies with capsaicin revealed an enhanced contractile response after P-3 infection. The sensitivity and magnitude of contractile effects of substance P in the left bronchi were also enhanced by P-3 infection. After pretreatment of the isolated tissues with phenoxybenzamine to block histamine H1 (with metiamide to block histamine H2), muscarinic, serotonergic, and alpha adrenergic receptors, or indomethacin to block the cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism, P-3 remained effective in enhancing contractile responses, even though these pretreatments altered the sensitivity and/or magnitude of contractions produced by substance P. When ETYA or NDGA were combined with indomethacin to also block the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism, the sensitizing effect of P-3 infection was diminished or abolished, especially at larger concentrations of substance P. With combination of FPL55712 and indomethacin, the sensitizing effect of P-3 was not abolished. Contractile responses to LTC4 and LTD4 were not enhanced by P-3 infection. The data suggest a selective influence of P-3 infection on the substance P system and provide evidence for a role of the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism in the sensitizing action. Peptide leukotrienes do not appear to be the lipoxygenase products involved in this effect of virus.

Prostaglandin F2 stimulates the generation of lipoxygenase products in guinea pig isolated trachea

The generation of lipoxygenase products on the contraction elicited by prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha was investigated in the guinea-pig isolated trachea. Indomethacin (5 x 10(-6) M) inhibited the response at low concentrations of PGF2 alpha while enhanced the response at higher concentrations of PGF2 alpha. Phenidone (10(-4) M) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, 3 x 10(-5) M) appeared to inhibit the PGF2 alpha response. The PGF2 alpha response augmented by indomethacin was dose-dependently inhibited by NDGA and a leukotriene (LT) antagonist, FPL55712. NDGA had no effect on the contraction elicited by histamine but markedly inhibited the contraction elicited by LTD4. The inhibition by NDGA of the LTD4-induced contraction was abolished in the presence of indomethacin (5 x 10(-6) M). FPL55712 inhibited the LTD4-induced contraction but the extent of the antagonism was not changed by indomethacin. In the presence of indomethacin PGF2 alpha (10(-8) M) did not affect the LTD4 (3 x 10(-9) M) response but significantly enhanced the arachidonic acid (AA, 6.6 x 10(-5) M)-induced contraction. FPL55712 (3 x 10(-6) M) completely inhibited the AA response augmented by PGF2 alpha. These results suggest that lipoxygenase-mediated LT-like substances are released in the response at higher concentrations of PGF2 alpha on the guinea-pig isolated trachea, and the mode of action of PGF2 alpha is different from those of histamine and LTD4.

Modulation of the contractile activity of the guinea-pig lung parenchymal strip by exogenous 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid

Exogenous eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 16.5 mumol/l or 33 mumol/l) inhibited dose-dependently the anaphylactic contractile response of guinea-pig lung parenchymal strips suspended in an organ bath. As determined by radioimmunoassay, EPA inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the anaphylactic release of the cyclooxygenase products thromboxane (TX) B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F1 alpha but simultaneously enhanced the release of sulfidopeptide (SP)-leukotrienes (LT). Indomethacin (2.8 mumol/l) abolished the release of cyclooxygenase products but potentiated the release of SP-LT. However, indomethacin treatment did not affect the inhibitory action of EPA on the contractile response of the anaphylactic lung strips. The lipoxygenase inhibitor, esculetin (50 mumol/l), inhibited the release of SP-LT and also that of cyclooxygenase products of polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism. The combination of esculetin and EPA resulted in enhanced inhibition of the anaphylactic contractile response as compared to EPA alone. By reversed phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), SP-LT from anaphylactic lung parenchymal strips was shown to consist of LTD4 and LTE4. EPA-pretreated lung strips released upon immunologic challenge additional immunoreactivity comigrating with authentic LTC4, LTC5, LTD5 and LTE5. While anaphylactic control strips also released LTB4, in the bath fluid of EPA-treated strips, an additional immunoreactive compound migrating with the retention time of LTB5 was observed. In non-sensitized guinea-pig lung parenchymal strips EPA inhibited the myotropic activity of exogenous mediators such as histamine (9 mumol/l), LTC4 (16 nmol/l) and the TX mimetic U 46619 (28.4 nmol/l), an effect which was neither affected by indomethacin (2.8 mumol/l) nor by the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, 10 mumol/l).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neuropeptides and leukotriene release: effect of peptide histidine isoleucine and secretin in platelet activating factor-stimulated rat lung

We have previously demonstrated that vasoactive intestinal peptide and calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibit leukotriene release from platelet activating factor-stimulated rat lung. We now report evidence that Peptide Histidine Isoleucine and Secretin, two naturally occurring peptides which are structurally homologous to vasoactive intestinal peptide, show a significant ability to inhibit leukotriene release in the same animal model. A preliminary hypothesis about the mechanism of this inhibition by the neuropeptides is discussed.

Indomethacin increases bronchial reactivity after exposure to subthreshold ozone levels

We investigated the effects of indomethacin on bronchial reactivity after ozone exposure. Guinea pigs in groups of six were treated with indomethacin (30 mg/kg IP) and studied before and 2 h after a 2 h exposure to either 1.5 or 3.0 ppm ozone. These animals were compared to similarly exposed groups that were untreated. Reactivity was determined by measuring specific airway resistance (SRaw) upon intravenous acetylcholine infusion. Prior to ozone exposure, indomethacin had no effect on either SRaw or muscarinic reactivity. In all untreated guinea pigs (n = 12) exposed to 1.5 ppm ozone, there was no significant change in SRaw or muscarinic reactivity. In contrast, all treated animals exposed to 1.5 ppm showed a substantial increase in reactivity. Those treated animals exposed to 3.0 ppm showed significant elevations in SRaw, making interpretations of changes in their reactivity difficult. We conclude that indomethacin treatment increases bronchial reactivity in guinea pigs exposed to subthreshold ozone levels.

Oxygen free radicals interact with indomethacin to cause gastrointestinal injury

In the present study it was shown that, unlikely MK447, a known oxygen free radical compound, PGE2 is much less effective against indomethacin-induced G.I. ulcers than against ethanol damage. It seems likely that factors other than PG deficiency (such as oxygen free radicals), could be involved in the pathogenesis of NSAID-induced G.I. damage. Some compounds that can capture free radicals (aminopyrine, thiourea and its derivative, MK 447) or that inhibit the lipoxygenase pathway (MK 447, salicylazosulfapyridine, BW 755, benoxaprofen) are able to abolish indomethacin-induced G.I. damage. After irradiation with hydroxyl free radicals, indomethacin reacts with them to cause marked G.I. injury, even at a submaximal dose, one poorly ulcerogenic by itself. The above findings suggest that oxygen free radicals are one of the causal factors in the formation of NSAID-induced G.I. side effects. Some of the data in this paper were presented at Fermo, August 31, 1984 (Advanced course on 'oxygen and sulfur radicals in chemistry and medicine') and at the 9th Iuphar International Congress of Pharmacology in London, July 30, 1984.

Measurement of immunoreactive leukotriene C4 in blood of asthmatic children

Peptide leukotriene (LT) such as LTC4, LTD4, LTE4 have been considered to be major mediators of immediate type hypersensitivity reaction such as asthma. We have developed a rapid and simple extraction method using a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge for the measurement of LTC4 by radioimmunoassay (i-LTC4). In this extraction method, 91% LTC4 was recovered in a final methanol fraction. The identity was confirmed by the recovery test and by the dilution method. The amount of i-LTC4 in plasma from asthmatic patients was determined by radioimmunoassay after the extraction. The order of the plasma level of i-LTC4 was; severe asthma greater than slight or moderate asthma greater than asthmatic patient without attack greater than healthy adult. The highest level of LTC4 was 0.27 +/- 0.11 pmol/ml in severe asthmatic plasma.

Pharmacological modulation of responses of guinea-pig airways contracted with antigen and calcium ionophore A23187

Ovalbumin (OA) and calcium ionophore A23187 were used to induce contractions of sensitized guinea-pig tracheal and lung parenchymal preparations in the presence and absence of indomethacin. This model was used to examine the properties of a series of compounds reported to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase or to antagonize lipoxygenase products at the receptor level. FPL55712 and piriprost appeared to act as pharmacological antagonists because they rapidly reduced tracheal tone established by OA. The prolonged phase (i.e. greater than 10 min post-challenge) of airways contractions induced by OA is assumed to be lipoxygenase-dependent and was inhibited by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), FPL55712, nafazatrom and benoxaprofen, in order of potency. Piriprost had similar inhibitory effects on the trachea, but not on lung parenchyma. The inhibitory effects of NDGA and FPL55712 were reduced, and those of nafazatrom increased by indomethacin. Indomethacin decreased the inhibitory effect of piriprost on the trachea, but facilitated inhibition by this agent on the parenchyma. A roughly similar pattern was seen on A23187-induced contractions, but FPL55712 did not modify these contractions and benoxaprofen enhanced the response of the trachea. BW755C enhanced the overall contractile response of OA- and A23187-induced tracheal contractions (but not parenchymal contractions) in a bell-shaped manner, an effect not seen in the presence of indomethacin. This indicated that BW755C could be acting as a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor. The results suggested that, although inhibitors of the lipoxygenase pathway were partially effective in inhibiting the contractions of the airways induced by OA or A23187, other mediators in addition to those of the lipoxygenase pathway contribute to these contractions.

Pharmacological modulation of responses of guinea-pig airways contracted with arachidonic acid

Arachidonic acid (AA) was used to induce contractions of guinea-pig tracheal and lung parenchymal preparations in the presence of indomethacin. Prior addition of FPL55712, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), piriprost, benoxaprofen or nafazatrom, in order of potency, inhibited AA-induced contractions of trachea. Higher concentrations (2 - 3 fold) were necessary to inhibit contractions of parenchyma. FPL55712 and piriprost appeared to act as pharmacological antagonists of leukotrienes because they rapidly reduced the tone of the airways established by AA. Administration of exogenous AA to indomethacin-treated trachea appears to be a good model to examine leukotriene receptor antagonists and inhibitors of the lipoxygenase pathway.

Effect of indomethacin on airway contraction and the release of LTC4-like material

Ovalbumin (OA) and arachidonic acid (AA) were used to induce contractions of sensitized guinea-pig tracheal and lung preparations in the presence and absence of indomethacin. Leukotriene (LT)C4-like material released from these tissues was extracted from the bathing fluid and measured by radioimmunoassay. Challenge with either OA or AA induced release of LTC4-like material from both parenchyma and trachea, AA inducing a greater release than OA although OA induced greater contractions. This suggested that OA-induced the synthesis of other bronchoconstrictor compounds than LTC4. Although indomethacin enhanced OA- and AA-induced contractions of trachea, there was no enhancement of the release of LTC4-like material, suggesting enhancement by indomethacin was a result of the inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and not diversion of AA into the lipoxygenase pathway. Indomethacin had no effect on OA-induced contractions of parenchyma, but attenuated those induced by AA. Indomethacin had no modulatory effect on the release of LTC4-like material in the parenchyma. The results demonstrate that indomethacin does not result in increased synthesis of LTs in the airways.

Ocular anti-inflammatory action of a lipoxygenase inhibitor in the rabbit

Among all lipoxygenase inhibitors studied, REV 5901 was found to be the most potent one to reduce lens protein-induced ocular inflammation in rabbits. It reduced ocular inflammation effectively by either injection into the ear vein (10 mg/kg) (65% inhibition) or topical administration (50 microliters of 5% ointment) (40% inhibition). Local administration was less effective than intravenous injection presumably because of slower drug delivery into the eyes.

6,7,4'-Trihydroxyisoflavan: a potent and selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase in human and porcine peripheral blood leukocytes

The effect of 6,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavan on human platelet 12-lipoxygenase and human and porcine PMNL 5-lipoxygenase activities has been studied. 6,7,4'-Trihydroxyisoflavan was found to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase more strongly than 12-lipoxygenase; its concentration for 50% inhibition (IC50) was 1.6 microM for human and porcine 5-lipoxygenase and 22 microM for human platelet 12-lipoxygenase. Inhibition of microsomal cyclooxygenase from ram seminal vesicles is exhibited at much higher concentrations of 6,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavan (IC50 = 200 microM).

Platelet-activating factor stimulation of peptidoleukotriene release: inhibition by vasoactive polypeptide

Leukotriene (LT) release stimulated by platelet activating factor was inhibited by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in an in vitro rat lung preparation. This was detected by HPLC and radioimmunoassay. LTC4, although the major species in the stimulatory model used, was not detected in peptide-treated preparations and LTD4 and LTE4 levels were considerably reduced.

Role of arachidonate lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase products in insulin and glucagon secretion from rat pancreatic islets

Rat pancreatic islets incubated in nutrient medium were used to study the role of endogenous arachidonic acid metabolism in pancreatic hormone secretion. Both glucose and fetal calf serum stimulated radioimmunoassayable PGE2 production and insulin secretion from islets. These effects were abolished by the phospholipase inhibitor p-bromophenacyl bromide or by concurrent inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase by flurbiprofen plus nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), respectively. Bromophenacyl bromide also inhibited glucagon secretion. When used alone, flurbiprofen caused a significant enhancement of glucose-induced insulin secretion that was attributed to reactive stimulation of lipoxygenase-product formation rather than to selective cyclooxygenase inhibition. NDGA given alone in the presence of stimulatory concentrations of glucose suppressed the normal eight-fold rise in insulin secretion, but caused a marked enhancement in glucagon secretion that could be overcome by simultaneous inclusion of flurbiprofen. We concluded that: (1) Increased metabolism of arachidonic acid in pancreatic islets amplifies the secretion of insulin and glucagon. (2) The lipoxygenase as well as the cyclooxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism participate in the amplification of insulin secretion. (3) The observations made in this study are inconclusive with respect to the involvement of the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways in glucagon secretion; an inhibitory role for lipoxygenase pathway products is suggested.

Effects of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from the isolated perfused rat pancreas

Some of the metabolites of arachidonic acid formed in the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways stimulate insulin release. We studied the relative importance of each of these pathways in the modulation of glucose-induced insulin release by using inhibitors of arachidonate metabolism. Perfusion of the isolated rat pancreas with two chemically different inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, flurbiprofen and sodium salicylate, markedly inhibited prostaglandin E2 release, but had little effect on glucose-induced insulin release or on potentiation of insulin release caused by prior exposure to glucose. On the other hand, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a lipoxygenase inhibitor, not only inhibited both phases of glucose-induced insulin release but also abolished the potentiation effect. These effects of NDGA prevailed, when it was administered together with flurbiprofen, which caused profound inhibition of prostaglandin E2 release. We conclude that 1) lipoxygenase pathways play a dominant role in glucose-stimulated insulin release, and 2) endogenous lipoxygenase metabolites influence the potentiating effect of glucose on the release of insulin in response to a subsequent stimulation.

Effect of arachidonic acid metabolism on the release of histamine and SRS (leukotrienes) from guinea-pig lung

The effect of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism on histamine release and SRS (leukotrienes) production has been studied in guinea-pig lung using anaphylactic reaction and Ca2+ ionophore as the triggering agents in vitro. AA and L-cysteine enhanced SRS production without any appreciable effect on histamine release. Two nonsteroid anti-inflammatory agents, indomethacin and ketoprofen, which block prostaglandin production by the cyclooxygenase pathway, stimulated SRS production but had hardly any effect on histamine release, indicating that SRS synthesis is more sensitive to prostaglandin regulation. Enhancement of SRS production was more pronounced for antigen than for Ca2+ ionophore. This might be related to different cellular origin of SRS with the two triggering agents. Using rat peritoneal cells, both mast cells and the other cells were found to produce SRS in response to Ca2+ ionophore, the amount formed by the latter type of cells being higher. Inhibition of lipoxygenase by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid and nordihydroguaiaretic acid depressed SRS production, but had no effect on histamine release. SRS production triggered by Ca2+ ionophore was more sensitive, possibly because of different cellular origin of SRS in response to the two stimuli. The explanation for the discrepancy between the effect on SRS production and histamine release may also have to be sought in their different origins. SRS may mainly stem from cells, which are more sensitive to the inhibitors than the mast cell, which is the source of histamine.

Molecular mechanisms of the gastric toxicity of antirheumatic drugs

Gastric toxicity of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs has been suggested to be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Proquazone, which is less ulcerogenic than indomethacin, however, is a more potent inhibitor of gastric mucosal prostaglandin synthesis than indomethacin in vitro and equally effective in vivo. These results indicate that additional factors such as pharmacokinetic properties contribute to the gastric toxicity of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Furthermore, lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism might modulate the effects of inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Using a radioimmunoassay for leukotriene C4 the capacity of ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pig gastric mucosa to release leukotriene C4-like immunoreactivity after antigenic challenge has been demonstrated.

Effect of clenbuterol, a new beta 2 selective adrenoceptor stimulant, on the release of histamine and SRS-A from passively sensitized guinea-pig chopped lungs

Effect of clenbuterol on the release of histamine and SRS-A from passively sensitized guinea-pig lungs was studied in a superfused-cascade bioassay system, and compared with isoproterenol and salbutamol. One-week-old guinea-pig lungs were used, since histamine and SRS-A were released more in these than in 6- or 12-week old lungs during anaphylaxis. Clenbuterol, isoproterenol and salbutamol (10(-8) - 10(-7) M) were found to inhibit the releases of histamine and SRS-A. These actions were inhibited by propranolol. These results suggest that clenbuterol inhibits the releases of histamine and SRS-A via the beta-adrenoceptor.

Pharmacological profile of AA-861, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor

AA-861, a selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, suppressed A23187-induced formations of 5-HETE and LTB4 in rat peritoneal macrophages. Immunologically-stimulated generation of SRS-A was also inhibited in guinea pig lung and rat peritoneal cavity. AA-861 had no effects on histamine release from rat mast cells or passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. Essentially no antagonistic activity to LTD4 or histamine was observed. This compound exerted an obvious inhibition of allergic bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs and a moderate reduction of carrageenin-induced paw edema and pleurisy in rats. These findings suggest that SRS-A plays an important role in asthmatic and inflammatory reactions.

Effect of inhibition of synthesis and receptor antagonism of SRS-A in cardiac anaphylaxis

The effects of infusions of the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, 1.1 X 10(-7) mol min-1) and the antagonist of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) FPL 55712 (1.2 X 10(-7) mol min-1) on the coronary constriction and the release of SRS-A, leukotreine C4-like immunoreactivity, thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha from perfused anaphylactic guinea-pig hearts were investigated. Both NDGA and FPL 55712 in the concentrations used induced an increase in basal coronary flow, but did not prevent the coronary flow reduction in the early phase (0-4 min) after antigen injection. On the other hand, NDGA and FPL 55712 inhibited the less pronounced long-lasting coronary flow reduction in the later phase of cardiac anaphylaxis. NDGA decreased the release of SRS-A from the anaphylactic guinea-pig hearts below or close to the detection limit of the bioassay and simultaneously diminished the release of leukotriene C4-like immunoreactivity. On the other hand, FPL 55712 did not influence the amounts of leukotriene C4-like immunoreactivity released in cardiac anaphylaxis. Neither NDGA nor FPL 55712 affected the release of immunoreactive thromboxane B2 (TXB2) from anaphylactic guinea-pig hearts. Release of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha after challenge, however, was decreased by NDGA, while FPL 55712 had no significant effect. These results suggest, that SRS-A may be a relatively more important mediator in the late phase of coronary constriction occurring during cardiac anaphylaxis, while the effects of other mediators, particularly vasoconstrictor cyclo-oxygenase products, seem to prevail in the early phase.