Leukotriene als mediatoren der allergischen entzundung

Cysteinyl leukotrienes are members of the eicosanoid family of lipid molecules that are among the most potent mediators of allergic inflammation in asthma and rhinitis. The cysteinyl leukotrienes LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4, which are derived from arachidonic acid metabolism, express their biologic function via specific cell surface receptors. Pharmaceutical research during the last decades focused on the development of leukotriene synthesis and receptor blockers. Some of the newly developed substances such as the receptor antagonists montelukast and zafirlukast show very promising results in clinical trials on bronchial asthma. Inhibition of leukotriene synthesis also appears to account for anti-inflammatory properties of the new histamine H₁ receptor antagonist mizolastine. Thus, both the experimental and the clinical experiences with substances that interfere with leukotriene metabolism and action support the important role of these mediators in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation.