The role of leukotriene B₄ in lung inflammation

To evaluate the role of leukotriene B₄ (LTB) as a mediator of lung inflammation, rats and dogs were instilled with LTB. Their lungs were lavaged, and lavage fluid was analyzed for signs of inflammation. Instillation of the LTB did not induce lung inflammation. Instillation of zymosan particles into rat and dog lungs resulted in lung inflammation and caused a significant increase in inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), decreased the inflammatory response and decreased LTB levels in lavage fluid. These experiments support the hypothesis that LTB is a mediator of lung inflammation.