Human alveolar macrophages produce leukotriene B4.

Abstract

Human alveolar macrophages obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage were labeled overnight with [3H]arachidonic acid. The cells were stimulated with Ca ionophore A23187 [calcimycin] and the 20:4 oxygenated metabolites released into the culture medium were identified by reverse-phase HPLC [high performance liquid chromatography]. Leukotriene B4 was the major 20:4 metabolite produced by these cultures. Leukotriene B4 was identified by its reverse-phase HPLC elution time, its UV spectrum, and its chemotactic and chemokinetic activities for neutrophils. The macrophage- and neutrophil-derived leukotriene B4 free acids and methyl esters had identical HPLC retention times.