67] Preparation of human and animal lung tissue for eicosanoid research

Abstract

The chapter presents a discussion on preparation of human and animal lung tissue for eicosanoid research. A sufficient number of in vitro methods has been developed utilizing human and animal lung tissue for eicosanoid research. The chapter describes techniques that are useful in understanding the physiopathological role of eicosanoids in the pulmonary system as well as their functional effects. Eicosanoids are fatty acids of great biological significance because of their ubiquity, high potency, and multitude of other effects. Among all the organs that have been investigated, the lungs are the most active in forming and metabolizing eicosanoids; human and animal lung tissue can oxidize arachidonic acid (AA), generating cyclooxygenase as well as lipoxygenase-derived products that appear to play a role in the development of asthma, allergic reactions, and inflammation. In fact, leukotrienes (LT) have potent spasmogenic actions on human lung tissue in vitro , affect mucus production and clearance, and may be important factors in the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness. The chapter describes in detail the preparation of human lung parenchyma to produce eicosanoids, preparation of human bronchial tissue, and preparation of guinea pig isolated trachea, parenchyma, and lung.