The role of blood vessels in the bioconversion of leukotrienes in the pig

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Abstract
1 Porcine pulmonary artery has the ability to convert leukotriene C4 (LTC4) to LTD4 and then to LTE4. 2 In this vessel, there appears to be no further metabolism beyond LTE4. 3 LTC4 (1 nm) is converted rapidly to LTD4, whereas the conversion of LTD4 to LTE4 is somewhat slower. 4 The conversion of LTC4 to LTD4 is inhibited by the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase inhibitor, serine-borate (45 mm). 5 The conversion of LTD4 to LTE4 is inhibited by the aminopeptidase inhibitor, l-cysteine (10 mm). 6 LTB4 did not appear to be metabolized by porcine pulmonary artery. 7 These results suggest that the vessel wall may play a role in the early stages of leukotriene metabolism.