Direct cardiovascular actions of two metabolites of linoleic acid.

Two newly discovered oxidation products of linoleic acid (i.e., 9,10-epoxy-12-octadecenoate termed Leukotoxin A, and 12,13-epoxy-9-octadecenoate termed Leukotoxin B) are produced by neutrophils in a variety of species. These substances appear to combat bacterial infection although they also have detrimental effects on normal organ function. Administration of Leukotoxin A or B to isolated cat papillary muscles decreased developed force, an index of myocardial contractility, in a concentration-dependent manner. Leukotoxin B was more active in decreasing the developed force than Leukotoxin A at high concentrations. Leukotoxin A or B, when added to isolated perfused cat carotid arteries, produced a significant vasoconstriction which in vivo would result in an increased vascular resistance. Thus, leukotoxins exert significant direct effects on the cardiovascular system in cats. Leukotoxins A and B are both cardiodepressant and vasoactive independent of release of other blood borne mediators.