Agonist specific desensitization of leukotriene C4-stimulated PGI2 biosynthesis in human endothelial cells.

Leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and, to a lesser extent, leukotriene D4 (LTD4) concentration dependently stimulate prostacyclin (PGI2) biosynthesis in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. PGI2 biosynthesis was quantitated by radioimmunoassay and its structure confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Preincubation of endothelial cells with LTC4 resulted in desensitization to subsequent LTC4 stimulation. However, PGI2 biosynthesis in response to thrombin, PGH2 and arachidonic acid was not inhibited by preincubation with LTC4. The C-6-sulfidopeptide leukotriene receptor level antagonist FPL-55712 attenuates LTC4, but not thrombin-stimulated PGI2 biosynthesis. These data suggest that human umbilical vein endothelial cells have a C-6-sulfidopeptide leukotriene receptor, and that stimulation of this receptor results in PGI2 biosynthesis.