Altered arachidonic acid metabolism in granulocytes of polytraumatized patients.

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 LTB4 within the supernatant of the stimulated granulocytes from these patients is reduced. The ratio of LTB4 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 LTC4 synthesis was observed.