Leukotriene and prostaglandin production following infusion of tumour necrosis factor in man

Moore, K.P., Sheron, Nick, Ward, P., Taylor, G.W., Alexander, G.J.M. and Williams, R. (1991) Leukotriene and prostaglandin production following infusion of tumour necrosis factor in man. Eicosanoids, 4 (2), 115-118.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha is believed to be an important mediator of endotoxaemia and septic shock, the effects of which are thought to be mediated through the generation of cysteinyl-leukotrienes, thromboxane A2 and other prostanoids. We have investigated the production of these eicosanoids and also that of prostacyclin in vivo after infusion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha into 4 subjects with a chronic hepatitis B virus infection. This resulted in plasma TNF levels considerably greater than those observed in septic shock. Urinary excretion rate of leukotriene E4 increased by 2 to 3-fold in all subjects by 8 h following TNF infusion. Urinary excretion of thromboxane B2 and 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha, however, increased in the first 4 h in 3/4 subjects by 2 to 40-fold and returned towards baseline by 8 h. Excretion of the hepatic metabolite, 2,3-dinor 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha, increased in all subjects (2 to 4-fold at 4h). We conclude that there is increased production of cysteinyl leukotrienes, thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin after infusion of tumour necrosis factor into man.

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Contributors

Author: Nick Sheron

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