Evaluation of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, zileuton, A-78773 and ICI-D-2138 in an ionophore (A-23187)-induced pleural inflammation model in the rat.

Intrapleural injection of A-23187 (10 micrograms), a calcium ionophore, elicited rapid increase in biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in a time-dependent manner. 6-Keto-prostaglandin-F1 alpha (6-KPA) was the principal cyclooxygenase product with modest increases in levels of thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin-E2. Orally administered indomethacin, a selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and three selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, zileuton, A-78773 and ICI-D-2138 markedly attenuated respective arachidonate pathways with projected ED50 values of < 1-2 mg/kg. Furthermore, a single oral administration of either ICI-D-2138 or A-78773 (each 20 mg/kg, po) resulted in persistent inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase pathway for up to 24 hr. These results indicate zileuton, A-78773 and ICI-D-2138 to be potent and selective inhibitors of 5-LO and document the utility of A-23187-induced pleural inflammation in evaluating efficacy of inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism in vivo.