The Leukotrienes

The Leukotrienes, Chemistry and Biology discusses the significant scientific progress of leukotrienes, from the discovery of slow-reacting substance to the chemical identification of a mixture of leukotrienes. Composed of 11 chapters, the book presents an enormous increase in research on the chemistry and biology of these and related substances, especially as they relate to the etiology of allergic and inflammatory diseases. After briefly discussing the continuing perspectives on the leukotriene biology, the book describes the structure, synthesis, formation, and biological actions of leukotrienes. This is followed by a discussion on arachidonic metabolism for the development of therapeutic agents specifically designed to either inhibit the synthesis or antagonize the effects of the leukotrienes. The book also looks into the biochemical and pharmacologic control of the synthesis and actions of leukotrienes. The information is considered in the context of the specific enzymes in the pathway that may be affected by any given agent. The in vivo studies on the pulmonary mechanical effect of leukotrienes, the pharmacologic activity of leukotriene receptors, and the antagonistic property of peptidoleukotrienes as an approach to allergic disease treatment are considered in the concluding chapters of the book. This book will be of value to scientists and researchers interested in hypersensitivity reactions, inflammation, and allergic diseases.