The role and contribution of leukotrienes in asthma.

LEARNING
OBJECTIVES: Reading this article will reinforce the reader's knowledge of the biochemistry and pharmacology of leukotrienes (LTs), including the enzymes and cells involved in their synthesis, the receptors that mediate their biologic effects, and the evidence that cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) may play an important role in asthma. The 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein antagonists, and CysLT receptor antagonists are three classes of LTs modulators now in clinical use. The effects of these agents in clinical models of asthma induced by allergens, exercise, and aspirin and in multicenter asthma trials are reviewed. DATA SOURCES: Key papers published in peer-reviewed journals. STUDY SELECTION: Key papers published in peer-reviewed journals.
CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacology of these new medications and experience in clinical trials suggest that they may play a therapeutic role in the treatment of asthma.