| Popis: |
Leukocytes play key roles in mechanisms of body defense against both endotoxins and exotoxins. The factors involved in triggering such defense mechanisms involve an activation of cellular membrane processes, among which is the release from phospholipids of arachidonic acid (AA) and its subsequent conversion into various eicosanoids. The liberation of such eicosanoids [e. g., leukotrienes, prostaglandins (PGs), HPETEs], in addition to other processes, is involved not only in the destruction of ingestible particles but also in the recruitment (chemotactic effect) of other cells for this process. All of these events depend on the generation and transmission of a membrane signal that involves mainly membrane metabolism and ion transport (Smolen et al., 1984). |
