Metabolite antagonists, competitive inhibition

The biological actions of the cysteinyl leukotrienes are mediated via stimulation of CysLTi receptors. Montelukast and zafirlukast are competitive antagonists of these receptors. In contrast, zileuton suppresses synthesis of the leukotrienes by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase, a key enzyme in the bioconversion of arachidonic acid to the leukotrienes. Zileuton also blocks the production of leukotriene B4, another arachidonic acid metabolite with proinfiammatory activity. The CysLTi-receptor antagonists alter neither the production nor the actions of leukotriene B4. 

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