ABSTRACT
Exposure of human leukocytes to chemical gradients of attractants induces these cells to migrate in a directed fashion and to adhere to specific surfaces. A significant body of evidence exists indicating the relevance of arachidonic acid-derived chemotactic factors in the mediation of human disease states. Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes have specific receptors for LTB4 which are stereoselective and blocked by structurally distinct antagonists. Biologically active arachidonic acid metabolites have been implicated in the mediation of a variety of symptoms associated with human disease. LTB4 is a potent proinflammatory molecule. LTB4 is the most potent chemotactic factor derived from arachidonic acid and has been implicated in the mediation of the acute inflammation that accompanies a variety of disease states. In summary, significant advances have been made in the field of eicosanoids indicating that these substances can act as mediators and coun-terregulators of the inflammatory response indicating their pivotal role in human disease.
