LEUKOTRIENE RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
-
Leukotriene receptors are a group of cell membrane proteins that are specifically designed to bind to and be activated by a class of signaling molecules known as leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators, meaning they play a crucial role in the immune response and the development of inflammation.
These receptors are found on various cell types, including smooth muscle cells, immune cells, and cells lining the airways. There are several types of leukotriene receptors, most notably the leukotriene receptor 1 (abbreviated as LTR1) and the leukotriene receptor 2 (abbreviated as LTR2).
Activation of leukotriene receptors leads to a cascade of cellular events that contribute to the inflammatory response. When leukotrienes bind to their respective receptors, it triggers a signaling pathway within the cell that ultimately leads to the production of various pro-inflammatory molecules. This can result in symptoms such as bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways), increased mucus production, and recruitment of immune cells to the site of inflammation.
Pharmaceutical research has focused on designing drugs that can selectively target and block these receptors, leading to the development of leukotriene receptor antagonists. These antagonists, also known as leukotriene blockers or modifiers, are used as medications to reduce inflammation and manage conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and other inflammatory disorders. By blocking leukotriene receptors, these drugs help alleviate symptoms associated with inflammation and improve overall respiratory function.
Common Misspellings for LEUKOTRIENE RECEPTORS
- keukotriene receptors
- peukotriene receptors
- oeukotriene receptors
- lwukotriene receptors
- lsukotriene receptors
- ldukotriene receptors
- lrukotriene receptors
- l4ukotriene receptors
- l3ukotriene receptors
- leykotriene receptors
- lehkotriene receptors
- lejkotriene receptors
- leikotriene receptors
- le8kotriene receptors
- le7kotriene receptors
- leujotriene receptors
- leumotriene receptors
- leulotriene receptors
- leuootriene receptors
- leuiotriene receptors
Etymology of LEUKOTRIENE RECEPTORS
The word "leukotriene" originates from the Greek words "leuko" meaning "white" and "trion" meaning "isolate".
Leukotrienes are a class of fatty acid compounds that play a role in inflammation, allergies, and asthma. The term was coined in the early 20th century to describe the properties of a white, crystalline substance isolated from leukocytes (white blood cells). These substances were found to have potent effects on smooth muscle contraction and vascular permeability.
As for the term "receptors", it comes from the Latin word "receptor" meaning "receiver" or "recipient". In the context of biology, receptors are proteins or other molecular structures that can bind specifically to certain molecules, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, or in this case, leukotrienes.
