Altered arachidonic acid metabolism in granulocytes of polytraumatized patients

Abstract The generation and metabolism of leukotrienes (LTs) from polymorphonuclear granulocytes of four polytraumatic patients on stimulation with the Ca-Ionophore A 23187 were studied by high performance liquid chromatography. In contrast to healthy donors the concentration of LTB 4 within the supernatant of the stimulated granulocytes from these patients is reduced. The ratio of LTB 4 versus the combined amounts of the biologically inactive 6-trans and 12-epi-6-trans-isomers is significantly decreased. In one patient who suffered from an Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) a pronounced enhancement of LTC 4 synthesis was observed.