Leukotriene production associated with leukocyte membrane destruction: evidence of a terminal signal.

Four methods of severe disruption of human neutrophil membrane integrity resulted in the formation of substantial amounts of leukotriene B4 and its isomers. This synthesis took place from endogenous substrate in the absence of any cell activators. It is postulated that leukotriene formation could be a preserved cell function and that generation at this stage could constitute a terminal chemotactic signal.