Stimulation of human endothelial cell prostacyclin synthesis by select leukotrienes.

Abstract

Cultured endothelial cells from human umbilical cord labeled with [3H]20:4 release radiolabel when exposed to leukotrienes C or D-(LTC or LTD). The major radiolabeled 20:4 metabolite recovered in the culture medium was prostacyclin. Both leukotrienes produced a dose-dependent synthesis of prostacyclin, with a maximal response at 10-7 M leukotriene. LTC promoted a twofold greater response than did LTD at all concentrations tested (10-9-10-7 M). In contrast, no release of radiolabel above basal levels was evident with a challenge of LTE or LTB at the same concentrations. Endothelial cells metabolize .apprx. 40-50% of exogenously supplied LTC to LTD and LTE in 60 min. Levels of .alpha.-glutamyltranspeptidase (.gamma.-GTPase), the ectoenzyme reported to convert LTC to LTD, were detected in intact endothelial cells with the chromogenic substrate L-.gamma.-glutamyl-P-nitroanilide at levels sufficient to account for the observed rate of LTC metabolism. High concentrations of the .gamma.-GTPase inhibitors, glutathione and AT-125, blocked the metabolism of LTC by endothelium. Degradation of leukotrienes by endothelium may be one mechanism for inactivation of these lipid mediators.