Stimulation of bone formation by prostaglandin E2

We examined the effect of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), in the presence or absence of cortisol, on bone formation in 21-day fetal rat calvaria maintained in organ culture for 24 to 96 h. ³H]Thymidine and ³H] proline incorporation were used to assess DNA and collagen synthesis, respectively. Changes in dry weight and DNA content were assessed after 96 h.PGE₂ (10⁻⁷ M) stimulated both DNA and collagen synthesis in calvaria. The effect on DNA synthesis was early (24 h), transient and limited to the periosteum. Collagen synthesis was stimulated at a later time (96 h), predominantly in the central bone. Cortisol (10⁻⁷ M) inhibited DNA and collagen synthesis. The addition of PGE₂ reversed the inhibitory effects of cortisol on DNA synthesis and content and increased collage synthesis in central bone to levels above control untreated cultures.We conclude that PGE₂ has stimulatory effects on bone formation and can reverse the inhibitory effects of cortisol. Hence the effects of cortisol may be mediated in part by their ability to reduce the endogenous production of prostaglandins.