Calcium/voltage-gated, large-conductance potassium (BK) channels control numerous physiological processes, including myogenic tone. BK channel regulation by direct interaction between lipid and channel protein sites has received increasing attention. Leukotrienes (LTA4,LTB4,LTC4,LTD4, LTE4) are inflammatory lipid mediators. We performed patch-clamp studies in Xenopus oocytes that co-expressed B...

The incorporation of (n-3) versus (n-6) fatty acids into membrane lipids is regulated by a number of different processes within the cell. It is generally accepted that a common 6-desaturase uses both linoleate and linolenate as substrates. Desaturation of linoleate and linolenate are generally considered to be the rate limiting steps in the biosynthesis of arachidonate and 20:5(n-3) respectivel...

Leukotrienes C4 and D4 are arachidonic acid metabolites that constrict blood vessels and enhance vascular permeability; their biosynthesis is initiated by the reaction of arachidonic acid with 5-lipoxygenase enzyme. After bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 15 minutes and reperfusion of the gerbil brain for 15 minutes, we determined the brain tissue concentrations of leukotrienes C4 and D4 b...

The cysteinyl leukotrienes, LTC(4), LTD(4), and LTE(4), play an integral role in the pathophysiology of asthma. Acting via the type 1 leukotriene (CysLT(1)) receptor, these proinflammatory mediators have numerous effects in the lungs, including decreased activity of respiratory cilia, increased mucus secretion, increased venopermeability, and promotion of eosinophil migration into airway mucosa...

The leukotrienes and lipoxins are biologically active metabolites derived from arachidonic acid. Their diverse and potent actions are associated with specific receptors. Recent molecular techniques have established the nucleotide and amino acid sequences and confirmed the evidence that suggested the existence of different G-protein-coupled receptors for these lipid mediators. The nomenclature f...