The coughing and wheezing of those who suffer from asthma and allergies is caused by inflammation of bronchial tissue. In 1979, Swedish biochemist Bengt Samuelsson introduced the word leukotriene to describe fatty molecules of the immune system that increase inflammation in the bronchia. The inflammation is due to an immune response. Leukotrienes regulate the immune response both within cells and between cells.
How Leukotrienes Are Produced
During the process of inflammation, an enzyme catalyzes the production of leukotrienes from arachidonic acid. Leukotrienes are unsaturated fatty acids. Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid involved in sending signals between cells.
Leukotrienes and Histamines
The creation of leukotrienes accompanies the production of histamines. Histamines allow more white cells and other proteins through the capillary arteries to fight infection. The increased flow of white cells and proteins results in inflammation.
Agonists
Leukotrienes are agonists. Agonists bind to the receptor cells of a molecule, provoking a response. In the case of leukotrienes, these responses include inflammatory reactions in the lungs. The agonists constrict the bronchia and increase vascular permeability, that is, the ability of blood vessels to allow water, ions and nutrition in and out of inflamed areas.
Leukotrienes and Lipids
Leukotrienes also mediate differences among lipids, which are signaling molecules. A signal molecule sends stimuli from one cell to another. Signaling molecules sometimes attach themselves to receptor cells, proteins embedded in the membrane of a cell or in its interior.
The lipids influenced by leukotrienes include waxes, fats, sterols, monogycerides, phospholipids, diglycerides and fat-soluable vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K.
Treatment by Antagonists
A receptor antagonist does not provoke a response from a cell itself; it blocks or dampens the action of agonists. Montelukast and zafirlukast are receptor antagonists used to treat asthma by moderating the effects of leukotrienes.
Tags: between cells, between cells Leukotrienes, cells Leukotrienes, cells proteins, from cell