What is the leukotriene pathway?

Leukotrienes undergo synthesis via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism. Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid found within the phospholipids that constitute cell membranes.

What is mechanism of action of leukotrienes?

Mechanism of Action Leukotrienes are synthesized from arachidonic acid by the action of 5-lipoxygenase in many inflammatory cells in the airways. [9] Arachidonic acid is released from cell membrane phospholipids mainly by phospholipase A2.

What is the mechanism of action of montelukast?

Montelukast is in the leukotriene receptor antagonist family of medications. It works by blocking the action of leukotriene D4 in the lungs resulting in decreased inflammation and relaxation of smooth muscle.

Do leukotrienes cause vasoconstriction?

Leukotrienes exhibit vasoconstrictor activity both on large blood vessels and on the microcirculation and induce marked increases in blood pressure followed by long lasting slight decreases (fig. 3).

What is the role of leukotrienes in asthma?

An asthma trigger, such as cat hair or dust, starts a series of chemical reactions in the body that produces several substances, including a family of molecules known as leukotrienes. Leukotrienes play a key role in asthma in three ways: causing inflammation, bronchoconstriction and mucus production.

What cell produces leukotrienes?

Leukotrienes are produced in cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells by the action of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), which is activated by the membrane protein 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP).

Are leukotrienes mast cells?

Inflammatory molecules called leukotrienes are one of several substances which are released by mast cells during an asthma attack, and it is leukotrienes which are primarily responsible for the bronchoconstriction.

Is montelukast a mast cell stabilizer?

The leukotriene d4 receptor antagonist, montelukast, inhibits mast cell degranulation in the dermis induced by water avoidance stress. Acta Histochem.

What do leukotriene inhibitors do?

Leukotriene inhibitors are alternative treatments in exercise-induced asthma and can be of benefit for children when oral therapy is preferred over inhalers. Leukotriene inhibitors are effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis but are less effective than intranasal corticosteroids.