What are the effects caused by leukotrienes?

Leukotrienes are signaling molecules that play a significant role in the body’s inflammatory response. They are primarily produced by white blood cells and are known to contribute to the processes involved in inflammation. When tissues are damaged or in response to allergens, leukotrienes are released and promote various inflammatory effects, such as increased permeability of blood vessels, recruitment of additional immune cells to the site of inflammation, and stimulation of mucus production. These actions are central to the body's defense mechanisms against pathogens but can also lead to chronic inflammatory conditions when their regulation is disrupted.

While other options may describe processes related to the immune response or cardiovascular function—such as infection, vasodilation, and bronchodilation—these processes are not directly mediated by leukotrienes in the same way that inflammation is. In particular, vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels, which is mediated by different chemical signals, and bronchodilation pertains to the relaxation of bronchial muscles, which can occur in response to other mediators like epinephrine. Therefore, the primary effect attributed to leukotrienes is their role in promoting inflammation.