What Are Leukotrienes?
Leukotrienes are a naturally occurring chemical substance that promotes an inflammatory response. When produced and released in the body, this chemical causes airway constriction, the tightening of muscles, and excess mucus and fluid. In a normally functioning immune system, some leukotrienes have a chemotactic effect on nuetrophils in the blood stream. This means that leukotrienes cause white blood cells to travel to the area of intrusion or damage so that the body can heal itself. However, in an abnormally functioning immune system, leukotrienes can cause uncomfortable or even deadly responses. The human body has a natural and healthy response to damage or dangerous intrusion. One of these responses is the inflammatory response. When the body is damaged or when there is a harmful invader in the body, the immune system reacts by opening blood vessels in order to send blood and fluids to the area. The blood carries white blood cells which seek to destroy the intruder, and the excess fl
