ABSTRACT
Leukotrienes are recognized as important chemical mediators in a variety of allergic and inflammatory conditions including those affecting the respiratory system. Considering asthma, most of the scientific interest has been focused on the cysteinyl-containing leukotrienes, which can elicit virtually all signs and symptoms of this disease. However, leukotriene (LT) B4, one of the most powerful chemotactic agents known to data, also seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma, particularly in the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the lung. This chapter reviews the biochemistry and molecular biology of LTA4 hydrolase, the enzyme catalyzing the final step in the biosynthesis of LTB4.
