N-Acetyl-Leukotriene E4

Leukotrienes comprise a family of endogenous metabolites of certain fatty acids and are related to thromboxanes and prostaglandins. They are potent eicosanoid lipid mediators that play numerous roles in inflammation, immunological functions and maintaining biological homeostasis. Leukotrienes possess a conjugated triene structure which gives them their name. They are generally isolated from leukocytes and primarily act through specific G protein-coupled receptors. N-Ac-LTE4 is a major bilary metabolite of cysteinyl leukotrienes in rats and is approximately 100-fold less active than LTC4. Compared to LTE4, N-Ac-LTE4 is 2-5 times less potent at inducing mesenteric vasoconstriction. It is equiactive with LTE4 in guinea pig lung parenchyma assay.