The Role of Leukotriene B4 in Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Abstract

In this study the authors evaluate polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell activation by measuring the level of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in patients presenting chronic venous insufficiency. The blood samples were drawn from affected lower limbs and from healthy upper limbs for comparison. One portion of the PMN, obtained from blood samples, was stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187. The results showed an increase of mean LTB4 levels in both districts, particularly in the lower limb, under basal conditions. Following calcium ionophore stimulation, the LTB4 concentrations in the lower limb did not evidence signif icant changes compared with the basal levels, while they increased in the upper district. These results point to the existence of various degrees of leukocyte activation: the highest at the pathologic site, with lower levels at the other sites. Also noted was a variability of the LTB4 levels between the different individuals in the areas examined, owing probably to subjective, genetic expression for LTB4 receptors and other adhesion molecules.