Leukotrienes belong to the group of eicosanoids within the fatty acyls. Their structure is based on eicosanoic acid, a twenty carbon atoms long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group. The chain contains four double bonds of which three are in conjugation. The hydrocarbon chain of leukotrienes can contain further double bonds and oxygen containing substituents.
Leukotrienes exert hormone-like functions. They interact with G-protein-linked receptors on the cell surface to activate signal transduction pathways inside the cell. Specifically, leukotrienes modify pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Leukotrienes also stimulate cellular responses like attracting cells of the innate immune system to the site of insult.
Here you can read more about the analysis of leukotrienes performed at Lipotype:
#FattyAcyls #lipid #lipidomics #MassSpectrometry #leukotrienes #eicosanoid
