B lymphocytes convert arachidonic acid (AA) to the 5-lipoxygenase products leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) and 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) when subjected to oxidative stress. 5-HETE has little biological activity, but can be oxidized by a selective dehydrogenase in some cells to 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE), a potent eosinophil chemoattractant. We found that CESS cells, a B lymphocyte cell line, convert AA to 5-oxo-ETE and this is selectively stimulated by oxidative stress. In the presence of H(2)O(2), 5-oxo-ETE is a major AA metabolite in these cells (5-oxo-ETE approximate to 5-HETE>LTB(4)). The cyclooxygenase product 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid is also formed, but is not affected by H(2)O(2). Diamide had effects similar to those of H(2)O(2) and both substances had similar effects on human tonsillar B cells. H(2)O(2) also stimulated 5-oxo-ETE formation from its direct precursor 5-HETE in tonsillar B and CESS cells, and this was inhibited by the glutathione reductase inhibitor carmustine. H(2)O(2) concomitantly induced rapid increases in GSSG and NADP(+) and reductions in GSH and NADPH. We conclude that oxidative stress stimulates 5-oxo-ETE synthesis in B lymphocytes by two mechanisms: activation of 5-lipoxygenase and increased oxidation of 5-HETE by NADP(+)-dependent 5-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase. B lymphocyte-derived 5-oxo-ETE could contribute to eosinophilic inflammation in asthma and other allergic diseases. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.