Effects of prostaglandins and arachidonic acid on baboon cerebral and mesenteric arteries

Effects of prostaglandins (PGs) E1, E2, F2 alpha and I2 in a wide range of concentration were examined in mesenteric and cerebral arteries isolated from mature baboons. PGs E1, E2 and F2 alpha at low concentrations (10(-10) to 10(-7) M) elicited relaxation in helically cut strips of cerebral arteries precontracted with phenylephrine. In contrast, the PGs did not cause relaxation in the mesenteric artery. PGI2 (10(-9) to 10(-6) M) produced marked relaxation in both arteries. The EC25 for PGI2 in the mesenteric artery was significantly lower than that in the cerebral artery. During baseline conditions, cerebral arteries contracted in response to high concentrations (greater than 10(-7) M) of PGs E1, E2 and F2 alpha. In mesenteric arteries, a large contraction was induced by PGs F2 alpha and E2 but not by PGE1. Arachidonic acid (10(-6) M) produced an aspirin-inhibitable relaxation in both arteries to a similar extent, so that the vasodilator PG(s) formed in the two different arterial walls appear to exert a similar relaxant action. Thus, the baboon mesenteric artery was more sensitive to PGI2 for the relaxant effect than was the cerebral artery, while PGs F2 alpha, E1 and E2 caused only a contraction in the mesenteric artery but both relaxation and contraction in the cerebral artery.     

Influence of primary prostaglandins,prostacyclin and arachidonic acid on mesenteric hemodynamics in the pig

In anesthetized young pigs the influence of intraarterial infusion of prostaglandin E2, prostacyclin, prostaglandin F₂α, and arachidonic acid on mesenteric vascular resistance was studied. Infusion of PGE₂ and prostacyclin induced a dose-dependent direct decrease in resistance. Infusion of PGF₂α resulted in a dose-dependent difference in response. Infusion of lower doses provoked a decrease in mesenteric vascular resistance, whereas infusion of higher doses resulted in an increase. Lower doses of arachidonic acid induced a gradual decrease in resistance, while higher doses provoked biphasic or triphasic responses. After previous blockade of the PG synthetase and lipoxygenase pathways with indomethacin and ETA, arachidonic acid only provoked a decrease in vascular resistance. The results suggest a possible role of prostaglandins and their precursors in autoregulation of mesenteric blood flow in the pig.     

Cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-dependent relaxation to arachidonic acid in rabbit small mesenteric arteries

We recently reported that the lipoxygenase product 11,12,15-trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (THETA) mediates arachidonic acid (AA)-induced relaxation in the rabbit aorta. This study was designed to determine whether this lipoxygenase metabolite is involved in relaxation responses to AA in rabbit small mesenteric arteries. AA (10(-9)-10(-4) M) produced potent relaxations in isolated phenylephrine-preconstricted arteries, with a maximal relaxation of 99 +/- 0.5% and EC(50) of 50 nM. The cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors indomethacin (10 microM), NS-398 (10 microM, selective for COX-2), and SC-560 (100 nM, selective for COX-1) caused a marked rightward shift of concentration responses to AA. With the use of immunohistochemical analysis, both COX-1 and COX-2 were detected in endothelium and smooth muscle of small mesenteric arteries. Indomethacin-resistant relaxations were further reduced by the lipoxygenase inhibitors cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-cyanocinnamate (CDC; 1 muM), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA; 1 microM), and ebselen (1 microM). HPLC analysis showed that [(14)C]AA was metabolized by mesenteric arteries to PGI(2), PGE(2), THETAs, hydroxyepoxyeicosatrienoic acids (HEETAs), and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). The production of PGI(2) and PGE(2) was blocked by indomethacin, and the production of THETAs, HEETAs, and 15-HETE was inhibited by CDC and NDGA. Column fractions corresponding to THETAs were further purified, analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and identified as 11,12,15- and 11,14,15-THETA. PGI(2), PGE(2), and purified THETA fractions relaxed mesenteric arteries precontracted with phenylephrine. The AA- and THETA-induced relaxations were blocked by high K(+) (60 mM). These findings provide functional and biochemical evidence that AA-induced relaxation in rabbit small mesenteric arteries is mediated through both COX and lipoxygenase pathways.     

Effects of arachidonic acid and prostaglandins on lung function in the intact dog

The effects of the prostaglandin (PG) precursor, arachidonic acid (AA), and the primary PG's, PGF2alpha, and PGD2, on lung function were compared in 39 intact-chest, paralyzed, artificially ventilated dogs. Intravenous AA decreased dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and functional residual capacity and increased airway resistance (Rl) and transpulmonary pressure at end-passive expiration. The decrease in Cdyn correlated closely with a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa). Indomethacin abolished airway and vascular responses to AA, but did not attenuate responses to the PG's. The effects of AA, PGD2, and PGF2alpha on lung function and Ppa were similar, whereas PGE2 had little effect. Vagotomy attentuated the RL increase in response to AA, PGE2alpha, and PGD2 and the Cdyn decrease in response to the PG's. The effects of the PG's on compliance were greater than those produced by mechanically increasing pulmonary venous pressure. The present studies suggest that the PG precursor is rapidly converted to agents that have marked effect on both pulmonary vessels and airways, particularly peripheral airways, in the dog.     

ACh-induced relaxations of rabbit small mesenteric arteries: role of arachidonic acid metabolites and K+

ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation in rabbit small mesenteric arteries is resistant to N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) and indomethacin but sensitive to high K+, indicating the relaxations are mediated by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs). The identity of the EDHFs in this vascular bed remains undefined. Small mesenteric arteries pretreated with L-NA and indomethacin were contracted with phenylephrine. ACh (10(-10) to 10(-6) M) caused concentration-dependent relaxations that were shifted to the right by lipoxygenase inhibition and the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel inhibitors apamin (100 nM) or charybdotoxin (100 nM) and eliminated by the combination of apamin plus charybdotoxin. Relaxations to ACh were also blocked by a combination of barium (200 microM) and apamin but not barium plus charybdotoxin. Addition of K+ (10.9 mM final concentration) to the preconstricted arteries elicited small relaxations. K+ addition before ACh restored the charybdotoxin-sensitive component of relaxations to ACh. K+ (10.9 mM) also relaxed endothelium-denuded arteries, and the relaxations were inhibited by barium but not by charybdotoxin and apamin. With the use of whole cell patch-clamp analysis, ACh (10(-7) M) stimulated voltage-dependent outward K+ current from endothelial cells, which was inhibited by charybdotoxin, indicating K+ efflux. Arachidonic acid (10(-7) to 10(-4) M) induced concentration-related relaxations that were inhibited by apamin but not by charybdotoxin and barium. Addition of arachidonic acid after K+ (10.9 mM) resulted in more potent relaxations to arachidonic acid compared with control without K+ (5.9 mM). These findings suggest that, in rabbit mesenteric arteries, ACh-induced, L-NA- and indomethacin-resistant relaxation is mediated by endothelial cell K+ efflux and arachidonic acid metabolites, and a synergism exists between these two separate mechanisms.     

Cardiac synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid in man

The bioformation of PGs in the human heart was studied in 7 male volunteers by constant rate infusion of ¹⁴C-labelled arachidonic acid (AA) into the aortic root and simultaneous blood sampling from the coronary sinus. After conventional extraction of lipids from the plasma samples, the various ¹⁴C-PGs formed were separated and quantified by means of thin layer chromatography and fractionated liquid scintillation spectrometry. The infused arachidonic acid was metabolized and well defined chromatographic peaks of ¹⁴C-PGs were obtained. Apart from a chromatographic peak corresponding to ¹⁴C-PG metabolites, 6-keto-PGF_1α constituted the main ¹⁴C-PG formed (23 ± 8 %) reflecting a considerable synthesis of prostacyclin in the heart. ¹⁴C-PGs of the D, E and F series were formed in roughly equal amounts (14 – 19 %). In a 54-year-old subject, 6-keto-PGF_1α constituted a greater proportion of ¹⁴C-PGs (60 %) than in the other subjects. This can reflect a general effect of ageing or it can indicate the presence of ischemic heart disease in this subject.     

Effects of inhibitors of arachidonic acid turnover on the production of prostaglandins by the guinea-pig uterus

The supply of free arachidonic acid from phospholipids is generally regarded as the rate-limiting step for prostaglandin (PG) synthesis by tissues. Two enzymes involved in arachidonic acid uptake into, and release from, phospholipids are acyl-CoA:lysophospholipid acyltransferase (ACLAT) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), respectively. PGF2 alpha produced by the endometrium induces luteolysis in several species including guinea-pigs. Thimerosal, an inhibitor of ACLAT, and aristolochic acid, an inhibitor of PLA2, both reduced, in a concentration-dependent manner, the output of PGF2 alpha from guinea-pig endometrium cultured for 24 h on days 7 and 15 of the oestrous cycle. This study showed that the continual production of PGF 2 alpha by guinea-pig endometrium is not only dependent upon the activity of PLA2 for releasing free arachidonic acid for PGF2 alpha synthesis, but also on the incorporation of arachidonic acid into the phospholipid pool by the activity of ACLAT. The inhibitory effects of thimerosal and aristolochic acid on the outputs of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were less marked, particularly on day 7 when the low output of PGE2 was unaffected and the output of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was increased at the lower concentrations of thimerosal. This finding indicates that there are different pools of arachidonic acid bound as phospholipid for the syntheses of PGF2 alpha and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha by guinea-pig endometrium.     

Effects of prostaglandins E2 and I2, and arachidonic acid on vascular reactivity to norepinephrine in isolated rat mesenteric artery,hind limb and splenic artery

The effects of prostaglandins E2(PGE2) and I2(PGI2), arachidonic acid, and indomethacin on the vascular reactivity to norepinephrine were tested in three different isolated rat vascular beds (mesenteric artery, hind limb and splenic artery) perfused with the Krebs bicarbonate solution. In these vascular beds PGE2 (0.25 – 16 ng/ml), PGI2 (0.1 – 100 ng/ml), arachidonic acid (0.1 – 10 μg/ml) or indomethacin (5 – 25 μg/ml) in the perfusate did not change the basal pressure. In the splenic artery, both PGE2 and PGI2 attenuated the vascular response to norepinephrine in a dose-related manner. In the mesenteric vascular bed and the hind limb, however, PGE2 potentiated the vascular response to norepinephrine, while PGI2 attenuated this response. Arachidonic acid, a prostaglandin precursor, potentiated the vasoconstrictor response to norepinephrine in the mesenteric artery and the hind limb, whereas in the splenic artery, attenuation of the response to norepinephrine occurred. In these three vascular beds, indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, attenuated the vascular response to norepinephrine. In the mesenteric artery and the hind limb, PGE2 and not PGI2 reversed the effect of indomethacin, while in the splenic artery, neither PGE2 nor PGI2 reversed the inhibitory effect of indomethacin. These results suggest that, at least in the rat mesenteric artery and the hind limb where the modulating effect of arachidonic acid is similar to that of PGE2, PGE2 and not PGI2 is a primary endogenous prostaglandin in determining the vascular reactivity to norepinephrine.     

An inhibitory effect of arachidonic acid on subsequent responses of canine cerebral arteries to serotonin and other agonists

Arachidonic acid (AA) at 10^?4M and 10^?3M produced a phasic contraction in isolated canine basilar arteries that peaked rapidly and then slowly declined. This contraction was evidently due to the conversion of AA to prostanoids because it was blocked by cyclooxygenase inhibitors and because 11, 14, 17 eicosatrienoic acid (10^?3M), which is not a cyclooxygenase substrate, failed to produce a contraction. When the artery was exposed to 10^?3M AA for 20 min and washed, subsequent contractile responses to 10^?6M serotonin (5-HT) were only 10% of control. Contractions produced by prostaglandin E₂ (10^?5M), uridine triphosphate (10^?4M) and potassium (5.5×10^?4M) were inhibited to a lesser degree than 5-HT, the response to potassium being the least affected (66% of control). This damaging effect of 10^?3M AA did not occur if the artery was washed at peak contraction nor with 10^?4M AA. Autooxidation products were evidently not responsible for the damage because prior oxygenation (90 min) of 10^?4M AA had no such effect. Pretreatment with superoxide dismutase or ascorbate did not prevent the inhibition, suggesting that free radical reactions were not involved. Pretreatment with indomethacin (3×10^?4M) or meclofenamate (10^?4M) also failed to prevent the inhibitory phenomenon. Saponin, a detergent, produced similar inhibitory effects but 11, 14, 17 eicosatrienoic acid or oleate (10^?3M) did not. The arteries partially recovered from the inhibition with time. In conclusion, AA produced contraction in basilar arteries by inducing prostaglandin synthesis but can produce secondarily by an unidentified mechanism an inhibition of the contractile responses evoked by various agonists that is both time and concentration dependent.     

Differential effects of prostaglandins and arachidonic acid on gastric circulation and oxygen consumption

Experiments were carried out on anesthetized dogs to compare the effects of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), prostacyclin (PGI₂) and arachidonic acid (AA) administered intraarterially on gastric blood flow and oxygen consumption during constant arterial pressure perfusion and constant flow perfusion of the stomach. Both PGE₂ and PGI₂ increased total blood flow and oxygen consumption both in the resting stomach and following histamine stimulation although the effects of PGE₂ on the oxygen consumption in stimulated stomach were not statistically significant. On the contrary, AA decreased both gastric blood flow and oxygen consumption in the histamine stimulated stomach. To determine if these compounds can influence gastric oxygen consumption independently of their effects on blood flow, the experiments with constant flow perfusion were performed. Both PGE₂ and PGI₂ decreased both the perfusion pressure and oxygen consumption in the resting as well as in the histamine-stimulated stomach whereas AA increased perfusion pressure and decreased oxygen consumption during histamine administration. Effects of AA were blocked by indomethacin suggesting that not AA itself but some of its metabolites, most likely thromboxanes were responsible for the hemodynamic and metabolic changes resulting from the contraction of gastric arterioles and precapillary sphincters. On the contrary, both PGE₂ and PGI₂ caused gastric hyperemia and an increase in oxygen consumption in the resting stomach, but decreased the latter parameter in the stimulated stomach, most probably as a result of secretory inhibition overcoming direct vascular effects of these compounds.     

Biosynthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid by the rat ovary

Biosynthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) from ¹⁴C-arachidonic acid was studied using homogenates of the ovaries from immature rats. In ascending order of metabolizing potency were, the ovaries from untreated rats, from rats treated with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMS), and from PMS-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treated rats. Among the radioactive metabolites extracted, PGE₂ and 6-keto PGF_1∝ were purified and identified by silicic acid column-, thin layer-, reversed phase partition chromatographies, and radiogaschromatography. Production of PGE₂ and 6-keto PGF_1∝ was observed in homogenates of the ovaries of intact and PMS-hCG treated rats at conversion rates of 0.72; 0.43% and 7.62; 2.31%, but not by FMS treated rat ovaries. Treatment with PMS-hCG activated metabolism of arachidonic acid into radioactive metabolites including PGE2 and 6-keto PGF_1α to a large extent. Accordingly, it is concluded that luteinizing hormone and hCG play a significant role in the biosynthesis of PGs by the rat ovarian follicle.     

Impaired arachidonic acid-mediated dilation of small mesenteric arteries in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a precursor of important vasoactive metabolites, but the role of AA-mediated vasodilation in Type 2 diabetes is not known. Using Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, we examined the effects of AA in small mesenteric arteries preconstricted with endothelin. In ZDF rat mesenteric arteries, 1 microM AA produced only one-third the amount of dilation as in vessels from lean control animals. In lean control rats, the effect of AA was significantly and predominantly inhibited by the lipoxygenase inhibitors baicalein and cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-cyanocinnamate (CDC). However, baicalein and CDC had no effect on AA-mediated dilation in ZDF rat mesenteric arteries. The major [3H]AA metabolite produced by isolated mesenteric arteries in both lean and ZDF rats was 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), but the amount of [3H]12-HETE produced by ZDF rat vessels was only 36% of that of control vessels. In addition, 12-HETE produced similar amounts of dilation in lean and ZDF rat mesenteric arteries. Immunoblot analysis showed an 81% reduction in 12-lipoxygenase protein in ZDF rat mesenteric arteries. Immunofluorescence labeling showed strong nitrotyrosine signals in ZDF rat mesenteric arteries that colocalized with 12-lipoxygenase in endothelium, and 12-lipoxygenase coprecipitation with anti-nitrotyrosine antibodies was enhanced in ZDF rat vessels. We conclude that AA-mediated relaxation in ZDF rat small mesenteric arteries is impaired due to reduced 12-lipoxygenase protein and activity. Increased oxidative stress and nitration of 12-lipoxygenase may underlie the impairment of AA-mediated relaxation in small mesenteric arteries of diabetic rats.     

Effects of superovulation, arachidonic acid or endometrium on release of prostaglandins and synthesis of proteins by bovine trophoblast

This study was conducted in vitro to examine factors that may regulate prostaglandin release by bovine trophoblast and endometrial slices. Trophoblastic tissues and endometrial slices were recovered from superovulating and normally-ovulating cattle on day 16 or 20 of pregnancy and incubated for 24 h. Release of PGF_2^α and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF_2^α (PGMF), and incorporation of [¹⁴C]-leucine into proteins were quantified and expressed per μg DNA, which gives a measure of cellular activity. Activity of trophoblastic tissue for synthesizing protein was decreased (P<.05) and for releasing PGMF was increased (P<.05) on day 20 compared to day 16 of pregnancy. Neither supercovulation nor day of pregnancy altered trophoblastic activity for releasing PGF_2^α. Supercovulation increased (P<.05) endometrial release of PGF_2^α. Endometrial release of PGF_2^α was less (P<.05) on day 20 than on day 16 of pregnancy. When arachidonic acid (0, 100, 200 or 400 μg) was added at the start of incubation, trophoblastic release of PGF_2^α changed (P<.05) quadratically with dose of arachidonic acid. When arachidonic acid was added 8 h after the start of incubation, triphoblastic release of PGF_2^α increased linearly (P<.01) with dose of arachidonic acid. Adding arachidonic acid to incubation medium did not affect trophoblastic or endometrial protein synthesis. Endometrial slices suppressed (P<.05) trophoblastic protein synthesis and release of PGF_2^α. Apparently, endometrium can modulate trophoblastic release of prostaglandins and synthesis of proteins in vitro, and trophoblastic tissue from supercovulated cattle 16 or 20 days pregnant can be used to study trophoblastic synthesis of prostaglandins and proteins.     

Effects of superovulation, arachidonic acid or endometrium on release of prostaglandins and synthesis of proteins by bovine trophoblast

This study was conducted in vitro to examine factors that may regulate prostaglandin release by bovine trophoblast and endometrial slices. Trophoblastic tissues and endometrial slices were recovered from superovulating and normally-ovulating cattle on day 16 or 20 of pregnancy and incubated for 24 h. Release of PGF2 alpha and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha (PGFM), and incorporation of [14C]-leucine into proteins were quantified and expressed per microgram DNA, which gives a measure of cellular activity. Activity of trophoblastic tissue for synthesizing protein was decreased (P less than .05) and for releasing PGFM was increased (P less than .05) on day 20 compared to day 16 of pregnancy. Neither superovulation nor day of pregnancy altered trophoblastic activity for releasing PGF2 alpha. Superovulation increased (P less than .05) endometrial release of PGF2 alpha. Endometrial release of PGF2 alpha was less (P less than .05) on day 20 than on day 16 of pregnancy. When arachidonic acid (0, 100, 200 or 400 micrograms) was added at the start of incubation, trophoblastic release of PGF2 alpha changed (P less than .05) quadratically with dose of arachidonic acid. When arachidonic acid was added 8 h after the start of incubation, trophoblastic release of PGF2 alpha increased linearly (P less than .01) with dose of arachidonic acid. Adding arachidonic acid to incubation medium did not affect trophoblastic or endometrial protein synthesis. Endometrial slices suppressed (P less than .05) trophoblastic protein synthesis and release of PGF2 alpha. Apparently, endometrium can modulate trophoblastic release of prostaglandins and synthesis of proteins in vitro, and trophoblastic tissue from superovulated cattle 16 or 20 days pregnant can be used to study trophoblastic synthesis of prostaglandins and proteins.     

Linoleic acid kinetics and conversion to arachidonic acid in the pregnant and fetal baboon.

Linoleic acid plasma kinetics in pregnant baboons and its conversion to long chain polyunsaturates (LCP) in fetal organs is characterized over a 29-day period using stable isotope tracers. Pregnant baboons consumed an LCP-free diet and received [U-13C]linoleic acid (18:2*) in their third trimester of gestation. In maternal plasma, 18:2* dropped to near baseline by 14 days post-dose, while labeled arachidonic acid (20:4*) plateaued at 10 days at about 70% of total labeled fatty acids. After 2;-5 days, total tracer fatty acids decreased in visceral organs, but increased in the fetal brain. Maximal fetal incorporation of 18:2* was 1;-2 days post-dose; thereafter it dropped while 20:4* increased reciprocally. Labeled 20:4 replaced 18:2* in neural tissues by 5 days post-dose. In liver, kidney, and lung, 20:4* became dominant by 12 days, but in heart the crossover was >29 days. Fetal brain 20:4* plateaued by 21 days at 0. 025% of dose, while fetal liver 20:4* was constant from 1 to 29 days at 0.006% of dose. Under these dietary conditions we estimate that the fetus derives about 50% its 20:4 requirement from conversion of dietary 18:2, with the balance from maternal stores, and conclude that 1) fetal organs accumulate 18:2 within a day of a maternal dose and convert much of it to 20:4 within weeks, 2) modest dietary 18:2 levels may support fetal brain requirements for 20:4, and 3) the brain retains n;-6 fatty acids uniquely compared with major visceral organs.     

Significant utilization of dietary arachidonic acid is for brain adrenic acid in baboon neonates

Dietary arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) utilization in-vivo for carbon recycling into de-novo lipogenesis and conversion to n-6 long chain polyunsaturates was investigated in baboon neonates using [U-(13)C]20:4n-6. Neonates consuming a formula typical of human milk received a single oral dose of [(13)C]arachidonic acid in sn-2 position of either triglyceride or phosphatidylcholine at 18-19 days of postnatal life. Neonate brain, retina, liver, and plasma were obtained 10 days later (28-29 days of life). Low isotopic enrichment (0.27-1.0%Total label) was detected in dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (20:3n-6) in all tissues, but label incorporation into saturates or monounsaturates was not detected. In neonate brain and retina, 16% and 11% of total label was recovered in 22:4n-6, respectively. The relative contribution of dietary fatty acids to postnatal brain 22:4n-6 accretion can be estimated for dietary 20:4n-6 and preformed 22:4n-6 as 17% and 8%, respectively, corresponding to efficiencies of 0.48% and 0.54% of dietary levels, respectively. These results demonstrate in term baboon neonates that in vivo 1) 20:4n-6 was retroconverted to 20:3n-6, 2) 20:4n-6 did not contribute significantly to de novo lipogenesis of saturates and monounsaturates, and 3) the preformed 20:4n-6 contribution to brain 22:4n-6 accumulation was quantitatively a significant metabolic fate for dietary 20:4n-6.     

Effect of various prostaglandins on the release of arachidonic acid from cultured fibroblasts

Effect of various prostaglandins on the release of arachidonic acid from [¹⁴C]arachidonic acid labeled fibroblasts was studied. Prostaglandin(PG) F_2α was found to enhance the release of radioactive arachidonic acid from the cells. The stimulatory effect was dose dependent, and was greater than that of bradykinin. The active compounds can be ranked in potency for the release of arachidonic acid from the pre-labeled cells per cent of control: PGF_2α(200.1%)>PGF_1α (141.8%)>PGD₂ (137.1%)>thromboxane B₂ (113.7%)>PGE₂ (109.4%). On the other hand, PGI₂ showed a strong inhibitory effect on the arachidonic acid release from the pre-labeled cells (the value was only 69% of the control), while 6-ketoPGF_1α, an end metabolite of PGI₂, had no effect.     

Identification of prostaglandins and other arachidonic acid metabolites in experimental otitis media

Although prostaglandins (PGs) have been detected in the middle ear fluids, the exact identification of PGs, and other arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites has not been made.The AA metabolites were identified in experimentally induced serous otitis media and purulent otitis media in chinchillas using a radiochromatography method. The relative abundance of each metabolite synthesized was also determined. Two major AA metabolites, 6-Keto-PGF_1α and 15-hydroxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), were positively identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.The AA metabolites in Eustachian tube obstructed middle ear mucosa (MEM) were predominantly 6-keto-PGF_1α, followed by PGD₂, 15-HETE, hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (HHT), PGF_2α and PGE₂. In infected MEM, the predominant product was 15-HETE followed by 6-keto-PGF_1α, PGD₂, HHT, PGF_2α, and PGE₂.The possible role of PGs and other AA metabolites in the pathogenesis of otitis media will be discussed.     

Effects of arachidonic acid and indomethacin on the in vitro release of prostaglandins by aortic strips of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Aortic strips removed from spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats and preincubated with arachidonic acid (1.0 X 10(-5) g/ml) for 15 min produced two times more prostaglandin (PG) like material than aortae unexposed to the precursor of PG biosynthesis. The stimulating effect of arachidonic acid was largely inhibited by indomethacin (1.0 X 10(-5) g/ml). Also, the release of PG-like material by aortic strips derived from SH rats treated with an intravenous injection of indomethacin (10 mg/kg) was inhibited by 74% compared with the control tissues. These results raised the possibility that the in vivo conversion of arachidonic acid by large arteries of SH rats may contribute to the hypotensive effect of this PG precursor in SH rats.