Lipid Mediators

The structural identification of lipid mediators such as platelet activating factor and the leukotrienes has led to an explosion of information about the hysiological and pathophysiological properties of these compounds. The application of this knowledge in the treatment of disease is illustrated by the development of inhibitors of the formation and actions of leukotrienes and PAF receptor antagonists. As more becomes known about synthetic pathways, receptors and receptor-effector coupling mechanisms for the lipid mediators, the more opportunities there should be for pharmacological intervention. This volume provides an overview of lipid mediators from synthesis to inhibition. It addresses the immune system and its diseases from a pharmacological viewpoint and combines clinical aspects with basic science