Metabolism and Analysis of Endogenous Cysteinyl Leukotrienes

Evaluation of the function of the cysteinyl leukotrienes--LTC sub(4), LTD sub(4), LTE sub(4), and its metabolites--in pathophysiological and physiological processes requires information on their generation and metabolism in vivo. Renal elimination of ( super(3)H)LTC sub(4) metabolites has been demonstrated in primates, thus indicating that analysis of endogenous leukotrienes in urine may be possible. However, the in vivo tracer studies clearly show that bile is the body fluid or compartment of choice for analysis of systemic production of cysteinyl leukotrienes.