Leukotrienes are lipid-based signaling molecules derived from arachidonic acid in white blood cells, mediating inflammatory and immune responses. They play key roles in conditions like asthma and allergic reactions by promoting leukocyte recruitment, bronchoconstriction, and vascular permeability. Experts study their biosynthesis, receptors, and pharmacologic inhibition to manage inflammatory diseases.
"The study focused on leukotrienes as mediators of airway inflammation in asthma patients."
"Leukotriene inhibitors are used to reduce chronic inflammation in allergic rhinitis."
"During an allergic reaction, leukotrienes contribute to bronchoconstriction and nasal secretions."
"Researchers measured leukotriene levels to assess the severity of the inflammatory response."
Leukotrienes derive from leukocyte (white blood cell) + triene (a molecule containing three double bonds) + -ene suffix used for unsaturated hydrocarbons. The term reflects their origin as arachidonic-acid metabolites produced in leukocytes. The root leuk- comes from leukos (Greek for white), indicating white blood cells as the primary site of biosynthesis. The class was identified in the 1980s during advances in eicosanoid biology; early work linked leukotrienes to immune signaling and inflammatory pathology, leading to targeted therapies like leukotriene receptor antagonists. Over time, researchers distinguished leukotrienes B4, C4, D4, and E4 as discrete mediators with specific receptor interactions, expanding understanding of their roles in asthma, anaphylaxis, and cardiovascular inflammation. The nomenclature LTx (LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, LTE4) reflects their chemical derivation and functional diversity, while ongoing pharmacological research continues to explore their biosynthetic enzymes (5-lipoxygenase) and receptor subtypes (BLT and CysLT receptors). First known use of the term in scientific literature occurred as eicosanoid science matured, with the recognition that non-prostaglandin lipid mediators significantly influence immune cell behavior and vascular dynamics.
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Words that rhyme with "Leukotrienes"
-nes sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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Pronounce as loo-KO-triens; the primary stress sits on the second syllable: /ˌluː.kəˈtraɪnz/ in US, with final -ez being a plural sound. For UK and AU, /ˌljuːˈkɒtraɪnz/ and /ˌljuːˈkɒt.rains/? actually AU: /ˌluːˈkɒtˌreinz/; maintain the /aɪ/ diphthong in 'trienes' and a clear s/plural ending. Audio references: consult medical pronunciation resources or Forvo entries for accurate native pronunciation. Practice by breaking into syllables: lu-e-ko-tri-nes, but pronounce as loo-koh-TRYNEZ with the main emphasis on TRY. IPA: US /ˌluː.kəˈtraɪnz/, UK /ˌljuːˈtrænz/ (verify); AU /ˌljuːˈkɒ.traɪnz/.”
Common errors include misplacing the stress (saying loo-koo-TRI-nees instead of loo-kuh-TRYNEZ) and mispronouncing the /aɪ/ in 'trienes' as a short /ɪ/ or /iː/. Another frequent slip is merging 'tr' and 'ie' sounds, producing something like 'troo-ktrae-nees'. Correct by emphasizing the second syllable and by treating 'trie' as a single /aɪ/ diphthong: /ˈtraɪ/ rather than /tri/. Use examples: loo-kə-TRYNEZ, not loo-KOH-trinz. IPA references: US /ˌluː.kəˈtraɪnz/; UK /ˌljuːˈtræɪnz/; AU /ˌluːˈkɒː.traɪnz/.”
In US English, stress on the second syllable: loo-KOH-trines, with a rhotacized 'r' and the final -nz. In UK English, initial cluster is often pronounced with a longer /uː/ and the second syllable may be /ˈkɒ-trainz/ depending on speaker, but generally /ˌljuːˈtræɪnz/. Australian English tends toward /ˌluːˈkɒːtraɪnz/ with less rhotic r-like quality and a broader vowel in 'tro' and 'trine' segments. Always listen to native medical narration in your context and mirror their rhythm and vowel quality. IPA cues: US /ˌluː.kəˈtraɪnz/; UK /ˌljuːˈtræɪnz/; AU /ˌluːˈkɒ.trains/? adjust accordingly.”
It combines a long, unstressed first part (leu-/lu-) with a complex second half containing a stressed /traɪnz/ cluster and a final /nz/ consonant cluster. The tricky bits are the unstressed first syllable reduction (often mispronounced as /ˈljuːkoʊ-/) and the /traɪnz/ sequence where the /aɪ/ diphthong blends into a final /nz/. Training with breaking into syllables and practicing the /ɹ/ or /r/ positioning in certain accents helps reduce hesitation when transitioning into the liquid and nasal endings.
A unique consideration is maintaining the /ktr/ blend across syllable boundary in 'ktri' region. Many learners tense the jaw or insert an extra vowel between k-t r, producing /ˈlɛk.toˌtraɪnz/ or similar. The recommended approach is to secure the /k/ + /t/ + /r/ cluster as a tight sequence without an extra vowel, then release into /aɪnz/. Focus on avoiding epenthesis and ensuring the second syllable carries primary stress. IPA anchors: US /ˌluː.kəˈtraɪnz/; UK /ˌljuːˈtræɪnz/; AU /ˌluːˈkɒː.trains/.
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