Induction of hyperalgesia by leukotriene B4 (LTB4), a potent chemotactic factor for polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), depends on the generation by cutaneous PMNLs of mediators that are probably derived from the 15-lipoxygenation of arachidonic acid. The capacity of dihydroxyicosatetraenoic acid (diHETE) products of the 15-lipoxygenation of arachidonic acid in PMNL to elicit hyperalgesia was evaluated by assessing the effects of intradermal injection of synthetic diHETEs on the pressure nociceptive threshold in rats. (8R,15S)-Dihydroxyicosa-(5E-9,11,13Z)-tetraenoic acid [(8R,15S)-diHETE] produced a dosedependent hyperalgesia, as measured by decrease in threshold for paw withdrawal. The isomer (8S,15S)-diHETE antagonized in a dose-dependent manner this hyperalgesia due to (8R,15S)-diHETE but did not suppress prostaglandin E2-induced hyperalgesia. (8S,15S)-DiHETE produced a dose-dependent hypoalgesia, as reflected by an increase in nociceptive threshold, suggesting a contribution ofendogenous (8R,1SS)-diHETE to normal nociceptive threshold. The hypoalgesic effect of (8S,15S)-diHETE was blocked by corticosteroids but not by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Neither (8R,15S)-dihydroxyicosa-(5,13E-9,11Z)-tetraenoic acid nor (8R,15S)-dihydroxyicosa-(5,11E-9,13Z)-tetraenoic acid exhibited any hyperalgesic or hypoalgesic activity. The stereospecificity ofthe effect of (8R,15S)-diHETE suggests that the induction of hyperalgesia is a receptor-dependent phenomenon and that (8S,15S)-diHETE may be an effective receptor-directed antagonist. The (8R,15S)-diHETE and (8S,15S)-diHETE from PMNL, keratinocytes, and other epithelial cells may modulate normal primary afferent function and contribute to inflammatory hyperalgesia.