Leukotriene B4: an inflammatory mediator with vascular actions in vivo.

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a 5, 12-dihydroxy derivative of arachidonic acid generated by a variety of inflammatory cells via the lipoxygenase enzyme system. In vitro leukotriene B4 is a potent chemotactic and aggregatory agent; enhances neutrophil complement receptors; stimulates membrane calcium changes and causes contraction of lung parenchyma. In vivo LTB4 is a potent stimulator of vascular permeability in rats, rabbits, guinea-pigs and man particularly in the presence of a vasodilator such as PGE2. LTB4 causes a profound transient neutropenia and massive accumulation of neutrophils when injected into the dermis (rabbit and man), skin chambers (rabbit and man) or body cavities (guinea-pig, rat).