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Role of eicosanoids in human and experimental colitis

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Abstract

Prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes (collectively called eicosanoids) are increased at sites of inflammation and contribute to the manifestations of inflammation, such as hyperemia, hyperalgesia, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Inhibition of eicosanoid production is the basic mechanism of action of corticosteroids and of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Eicosanoid synthesis is also increased in human and experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Leukotriene B4 is the most potent proinflammatory eicosanoid, and in vivo production of this compound is the predominant eicosanoid in colitis. Recent experimental data demonstrate that selective inhibition of leukotrienes may be a therapeutic strategy to reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, C-1 Trailer, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 West Carson Street, 90502, Torrance, California

    Raphael Schumert MD, Jonathan Towner &  Robert D. Zipser MD

Authors
  1. Raphael Schumert MD
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  2. Jonathan Towner
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  3. Robert D. Zipser MD
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This work was supported in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health, DK36869 and AM36200

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Schumert, R., Towner, J. & Zipser, R.D. Role of eicosanoids in human and experimental colitis. Digest Dis Sci 33 (Suppl 3), 58S–64S (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01538132

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