Localization and function of cytosolic phospholipase A2α at the Golgi

Cytosolic phospholipase A₂α (cPLA₂α, Group IVA phospholipase A₂) is a central mediator of arachidonate release from cellular phospholipids for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids. cPLA₂α translocates to intracellular membranes including the Golgi in response to a rise in intracellular calcium level. The enzyme’s calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding C2 domain provides the targeting specificity for cPLA₂α translocation to the Golgi. However, other features of cPLA₂α regulation are incompletely understood such as the role of phosphorylation of serine residues in the catalytic domain and the function of basic residues in the cPLA₂α C2 and catalytic domains that are proposed to interact with anionic phospholipids in the membrane to which cPLA₂α is targeted. Increasing evidence strongly suggests that cPLA₂α plays a role in regulating Golgi structure, tubule formation and intra-Golgi transport. For example, recent data suggests that cPLA₂α regulates the transport of tight junction and adherens junction proteins through the Golgi to cell–cell contacts in confluent endothelial cells. However, there are now examples where data based on knockdown using siRNA or pharmacological inhibition of enzymatic activity of cPLA₂α affects fundamental cellular processes yet these phenotypes are not observed in cells from cPLA₂α deficient mice. These results suggest that in some cases there may be compensation for the lack of cPLA₂α. Thus, there is continued need for studies employing highly specific cPLA₂α antagonists in addition to genetic deletion of cPLA₂α in mice.     

Role of cytosolic phospholipase A2α in cell rounding and cytotoxicity induced by ceramide-1-phosphate via ceramide kinase

Ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), produced by ceramide kinase (CERK), is implicated in the regulation of many biological functions including cell growth and inflammation. C1P is a direct activator of group IVA cytosolic phospholipsase A₂ (PLA2G4A or cPLA₂α). Although activation of the CERK–C1P pathway causes mitogenic and cytoprotective responses in many cells, the pathway shows cytotoxicity in several cells and the precise mechanism has not been elucidated. In the present study, we examined the effect of human CERK (hCERK) expression on cytotoxicity in two cell lines. Expression of hCERK in CHO cells caused cell rounding and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, and co-addition of ceramide enhanced these responses. Expression of hCERK enhanced C1P formation and release of arachidonic acid in Ca²⁺ ionophore-stimulated cells. Treatment with 20 μM C2-C1P for 24 h caused cell rounding, and the response was significantly decreased by an inhibitor of cPLA₂α. In L929 cells, expression of hCERK with and without ceramide caused cell rounding and LDH leakage, respectively, and the responses were significantly less in a stable clone of L929 cells lacking cPLA₂α. These findings suggest the involvement of cPLA₂α in CERK–C1P pathway-induced cytotoxicity.     

Induction of aromaticl-amino acid decarboxylase mRNA by interleukin-1β and prostaglandin E2 in PC12 cells

Aromatic 1-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) is involved in the synthesis of the putative neurotransmitters dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). We report here that the gene expression of AADC can be regulated by interleukin (IL) 1- and prostaglandin (PG) E₂ in PC12 cells. The cells were treated with different doses of IL 1- and PGE₂ for 3 days. Slot blot hybridization was performed to detect AADC mRNA and Western immunoblot to detect AADC protein. The cDNA probe for rat AADC was generated by the PCR method. IL 1- and PGE₂ produced a dose- and time-dependent up-regulation in AADC mRNA levels (up to 200% of the control values) which was followed by a stable increase in AADC protein. The data further support the suggestion that AADC is a regulated enzyme and that the regulation occurs at the level of gene expression. Because IL-1 is synthesized, and acts locally, within the brain to influence neuronal and glial functions, it has been proposed to be a mediator with both beneficial and detrimental responses to inflammation and injury. The regulation of AADC by IL-1 may indicate a possible involvement for AADC in neuronal injury and recovery. Since IL-1 promotes PGE₂ formation, its effects may be occurring by increasing level of PGE₂.Abbreviations AADC aromatic 1-amino acid decarboxylase - IL-1 interleukin 1 - PGE₂ prostaglandin E₂ - GITC guanidinium isothiocyanate - DEPC diethyl pyrocarbonate - MOPS 3-(4-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid - SSPE 0.18M NaCl, 0.001M sodium phosphate, and 0.001M EDTA Special issue dedicated to Dr. Bernard W. Agranoff.     

HT-29 human colon cancer cell proliferation is regulated by cytosolic phospholipase A2α dependent PGE2via both PKA and PKB pathways

Cytosolic phospholipase A₂α (cPLA₂α) up-regulation has been reported in human colorectal cancer cells, thus we aimed to elucidate its role in the proliferation of the human colorectal cancer cell line, HT-29. EGF caused a rapid activation of cPLA₂α which coincided with a significant increase in cell proliferation. The inhibition of cPLA₂α activity by pyrrophenone or by antisense oligonucleotide against cPLA₂α (AS) or inhibition of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production by indomethacin resulted with inhibition of cell proliferation, that was restored by addition of PGE₂. The secreted PGE₂ activated both protein kinase A (PKA) and PKB/Akt pathways via the EP2 and EP4 receptors. Either, the PKA inhibitor (H-89) or the PKB/Akt inhibitor (Ly294002) caused a partial inhibition of cell proliferation which was restored by PGE₂. But, inhibited proliferation in the presence of both inhibitors could not be restored by addition of PGE₂. AS or H-89, but not Ly294002, inhibited CREB activation, suggesting that CREB activation is mediated by PKA. AS or Ly294002, but not H-89, decreased PKB/Akt activation as well as the nuclear localization of β-catenin and cyclin D1 and increased the plasma membrane localization of β-catenin with E-cadherin, suggesting that these processes are regulated by the PKB pathway. Similarly, Caco-2 cells exhibited cPLA₂α dependent proliferation via activation of both PKA and PKB/Akt pathways. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the regulation of HT-29 proliferation is mediated by cPLA₂α-dependent PGE₂ production. PGE₂via EP induces CREB phosphorylation by the PKA pathway and regulates β-catenin and cyclin D1 cellular localization by PKB/Akt pathway.     

Synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2α by toadfish red blood cells

Saline washed red blood cells of the toadfish convert [1-¹⁴C] arachidonic acid to products that cochromatograph with prostaglandin E₂ and prostaglandin F_2α. This synthesis is inhibited by indomethacin (10 μg/ml). Conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E₂ was confirmed by mass spectrometry. When saline washed toadfish red blood cells were incubated with a mixture of [1-¹⁴C]-arachidonic acid and [5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15,-³H]-arachidonic acid, comparison of the isotope ratios of the radioactive products indicated that prostaglandin F_2α was produced by reduction of prostaglandin E₂. The capacity of toadfish red blood cells to reduce prostaglandin E₂ to prostaglandin F_2α was confirmed by incubation of the cells with [1-¹⁴C] prostaglandin E₂.     

Regulation of prostaglandin availability in human fetal lung by differential localisation of prostaglandin H synthase-1 and prostaglandin dehydrogenase

Specialisation of the respiratory portion of human fetal lung commences around 20-24 weeks gestation. In contrast, human fetal lung in vitro has the capacity to self-differentiate from 12 weeks gestation when grown in media devoid of growth factors or hormones, suggesting activation of autocrine or paracrine factors in vitro, or removal of the fetus from in utero inhibitory mechanisms. Prostaglandins play a key role during in vitro human fetal lung development and are synthesised by prostaglandin H synthase-1 (PGHS-1) and inactivated by 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH) with formation of inactive 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandins. We have used quantitative immunohistochemistry to determine expression and localisation of PGHS-1, PGDH, PGE2 and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 (PGEM) in human fetal lung with in situ hybridisation to localise PGHS-1 and PGDH mRNA. For the catabolic enzyme PGDH, amounts of mRNA, protein and enzyme product PGEM are increased within epithelium of distal as compared to more proximal airways. For PGHS-1, comparable amounts of mRNA, protein and enzyme product PGE2 are found in proximal and distal lung epithelium. Catabolism by PGDH is a sensitive mechanism for regulating bioavailability of prostaglandins and we propose that active catabolism of prostaglandins within human fetal lung epithelium is an inhibitory mechanism retarding epithelial differentiation in utero.     

Induction of abortion by intra- and extra-amniotic prostaglandin F2α administration

Legal abortion was induced by intrauterine administration of prostaglandin F_2α in 115 patients during the 11th – 20th week of pregnancy. An intra-amniotic method was used in 61 of the cases, an extra-amniotic one in 54 cases. The average total dose administered was 35.1 mg (range 5 – 65 mg) in the intra-amniotic group, and 6358 μg (range 1500 – 14000 μg) in the extra-amniotic group. Abortion rate was 92 % in the intra-amniotic material and 72 % in the extra-amniotic material, and side-effects, mainly gastrointestinal irritation, were noted in 74 % of the intra-amniotic cases and 54 % of the extra-amniotic ones. If total doses of 4750 μg or more were administered in the extra-amniotic cases, abortion rate went up to 80 %, but the frequency of side-effects simultaneously increased to 64 %. No serious complications occurred. Intrauterine prostaglandin induction is well suited therapeutic abortions in the second trimester, and the intra-amniotic technique is more practicable than the extra-amniotic one. The latter is applicable in cases where the puncture of the amniotic cavity is difficult to achieve, e.g. in cases of fetus mortuus and hydatiform mole.     

Investigations on the metabolic stability of cytosolic phospholipase A2α inhibitors with 1-indolylpropan-2-one structure

Cytosolic phospholipase A₂α (cPLA₂α) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, inhibition of this enzyme is assumed to provide a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of these maladies. In this study we investigated the metabolism of the potent cPLA₂α inhibitors 1-[3-(4-phenoxyphenoxy)-2-oxopropyl]indole-5-carboxylic acid (1) and 3-isobutanoyl-1-[3-(4-phenoxyphenoxy)-2-oxopropyl]indole-5-carboxylic acid (2). Incubation of 1 with a mixture of human recombinant CYP1A2, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 3A4 and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase enzymes led to reduction of its keto group and to hydroxylation at the terminal phenoxy residue. To identify the enzymes responsible for the observed reactions, experiments with isoform inhibitors were performed. In rat liver S9 fractions the only metabolite found was the alcohol 3 formed by the reduction of the keto group of 1. This reaction here was mainly catalyzed by cytosolic short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (cSDR) as shown by inhibition experiments with different carbonyl reductase inhibitors. Furthermore, the metabolic stability of 2 in mouse brains was studied after intracerebroventricular application of this compound into the right brain hemispheres of mice. HPLC/MS analyses revealed that 2 is also readily reduced in the brain to an inactive alcohol metabolite most likely by carbonyl reductases.     

Amyloid-β peptide induces temporal membrane biphasic changes in astrocytes through cytosolic phospholipase A2

Oligomeric amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is known to induce cytotoxic effects and to damage cell functions in Alzheimer's disease. However, mechanisms underlying the effects of Aβ on cell membranes have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, Aβ 1-42 (Aβ₄₂) was shown to cause a temporal biphasic change in membranes of astrocytic DITNC cells using fluorescence microscopy of Laurdan. Aβ₄₂ made astrocyte membranes became more molecularly-disordered within the first 30 min to 1 h, but gradually changed to more molecularly-ordered after 3 h. However, Aβ₄₂ caused artificial membranes of vesicles made of rat whole brain lipid extract to become more disordered only. The trend for more molecularly-ordered membranes in astrocytes induced by Aβ₄₂ was abrogated by either an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin, or an inhibitor of cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂), but not by an inhibitor of calcium-independent PLA₂ (iPLA₂). Apocynin also suppressed the increased production of superoxide anions (O₂⁻) and phosphorylation of cPLA₂ induced by Aβ₄₂. In addition, hydrolyzed products of cPLA₂, arachidonic acid (AA), but not lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) caused astrocyte membranes to become more molecularly-ordered. These results suggest (1) a direct interaction of Aβ₄₂ with cell membranes making them more molecularly-disordered, and (2) Aβ₄₂ also indirectly makes membranes become more molecularly-ordered by triggering the signaling pathway involving NADPH oxidase and cPLA₂ in astrocytes.     

Induction of prostaglandin I2 receptor by tumor necrosis factor α in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Mouse osteoblastic cells MC3T3-E1 produced prostaglandin E₂ via the reaction of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Originally, the mRNA level for prostaglandin I₂ receptor (IP) was low in the cells. However, the addition of TNFα brought about a marked increase in the IP mRNA with a lag of about 3 h up to an about 8-fold higher level for 24 h. In addition, the induction of IP was supported by a binding experiment of [³H]iloprost (a stable analogue of prostaglandin I₂). The amount of iloprost bound to the TNFα-stimulated cell membranes increased to a saturation level around 30 nM. Dexamethasone, cycloheximide and cyclooxygenase inhibitor suppressed the IP mRNA induction. The finding with the latter two compounds suggested a TNFα-dependent de novo synthesis of a protein, which is involved in the IP mRNA induction and may be attributed partially to the induced cyclooxygenase-2.     

Cytosolic phospholipase A2α sustains pAKT,pERK and AR levels in PTEN-null/mutated prostate cancer cells

Constitutive phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) is a common feature of cancer caused by genetic alteration in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene and is associated with poor prognosis. This study determined the role of cytosolic phospholipase A₂α (cPLA₂α) in AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and androgen receptor (AR) signaling in PTEN-null/mutated prostate cancer cells. Doxycycline (Dox)-induced expression of cPLA₂α led to an increase in pAKT, pGSK3β and cyclin D1 levels in LNCaP cells that possess a PTEN frame-shift mutation. In contrast, silencing cPLA₂α expression with siRNA decreased pAKT, pGSK3β and cyclin D1 levels in both PC-3 (PTEN deletion) and LNCaP cells. Silencing of cPLA₂α decreased pERK and AR protein levels. The inhibitory effect of cPLA₂α siRNA on pAKT and AR protein levels was reduced by the addition of arachidonic acid (AA), whereas the stimulatory effect of AA on pAKT, pERK and AR levels was decreased by an inhibitor of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid production. Pharmacological blockade of cPLA₂α with Efipladib reduced pAKT and AR levels with a concomitant inhibition of PC-3 and LNCaP cell proliferation. These results demonstrate an important role for cPLA₂α in sustaining AKT, ERK and AR signaling in PTEN-null/mutated prostate cancer cells and provide a potential molecular target for treating prostate cancer.     

Expression of phospholipases A2 in primary human lung macrophages: Role of cytosolic phospholipase A2-α in arachidonic acid release and platelet activating factor synthesis

Macrophages are a major source of lipid mediators in the human lung. Expression and contribution of cytosolic (cPLA₂) and secreted phospholipases A₂ (sPLA₂) to the generation of lipid mediators in human macrophages are unclear. We investigated the expression and role of different PLA₂s in the production of lipid mediators in primary human lung macrophages. Macrophages express the alpha, but not the zeta isoform of group IV and group VIA cPLA₂ (iPLA₂). Two structurally-divergent inhibitors of group IV cPLA₂ completely block arachidonic acid release by macrophages in response to non-physiological (Ca²⁺ ionophores and phorbol esters) and physiological agonists (lipopolysaccharide and Mycobacterium protein derivative). These inhibitors also reduce by 70% the synthesis of platelet-activating factor by activated macrophages. Among the full set of human sPLA₂s, macrophages express group IIA, IID, IIE, IIF, V, X and XIIA, but not group IB and III enzymes. Me-Indoxam, a potent and cell impermeable inhibitor of several sPLA₂s, has no effect on arachidonate release or platelet-activating factor production. Agonist-induced exocytosis is not influenced by cPLA₂ inhibitors at concentrations that block arachidonic acid release. Our results indicate that human macrophages express cPLA₂-alpha, iPLA₂ and several sPLA₂s. Cytosolic PLA₂-alpha is the major enzyme responsible for lipid mediator production in human macrophages.     

Endothelial ICAM-1 protein induction is regulated by cytosolic phospholipase A2α via both NF-κB and CREB transcription factors

The regulated expression of ICAM-1 plays an important role in inflammatory processes and immune responses. The present study aimed to determine the in vivo involvement of cytosolic phospholipase A(2)α (cPLA(2)α) in ICAM-1 overexpression during inflammation and to elucidate the cPLA(2)α-specific role in signal events leading to ICAM-1 upregulation in endothelial cells. cPLA(2)α and ICAM-1 upregulation were detected in inflamed paws of mice with collagen-induced arthritis and in periepididymal adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet. Intravenous injection of 2 mg/kg oligonucleotide antisense against cPLA(2)α (AS) that reduced cPLA(2)α upregulation also decreased ICAM-1 overexpression, suggesting a key role of cPLA(2)α in ICAM-1 upregulation during inflammation. Preincubation of endothelial ECV-304 cells that express ICAM-1 and of HUVEC that express ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 with 1 μM AS prevented cPLA(2)α and the adhesion molecule upregulation induced by TNF-α and inhibited their adherence to phagocyte like-PLB cells. Whereas AS did not inhibit NADPH oxidase 4-NADPH oxidase activity, inhibition of oxidase activity attenuated cPLA(2)α activation, suggesting that NADPH oxidase acts upstream to cPLA(2)α. Attenuating cPLA(2)α activation by AS or diphenylene iodonium prevented the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and the production of PGE(2) that were essential for ICAM-1 upregulation. Inhibition of cPLA(2)α activity by AS inhibited the phosphorylation of both p65 NF-κB on Ser(536) and protein kinase A-dependent CREB. To our knowledge, our results are the first to show that CREB activation is involved in ICAM-1 upregulation and suggest that cPLA(2)α activated by NADPH oxidase is required for sequential phosphorylation of NF-κB by an undefined kinase and CREB activation by PGE(2)-mediated protein kinase A.     

Interleukin-1β-induced interleukin-6 production in A549 cells is mediated by both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-4

The aim of this study is to investigate whether PI3K (phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase) is involved in IL-1β (interleukin-1β)-induced IL-6 production in A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell) and human RASF (rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast). PI3K inhibitor, LY294002 significantly reduced IL-1β-induced IL-6 production in A549 cells but not in RASF, indicating that IL-1β-induced IL-6 production was partially mediated by PI3Kin A549 cells but not in RASF. siRNA (small interfering RNA) of IRAK4 (IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 4) treatment decreased IRAK4 mRNA level by up to 90% in A549 cells. In this condition, IL-1β-induced increase of IL-6 mRNA and protein level was decreased by up to 93% and 70%, respectively. Furthermore, the combination of IRAK4 siRNA and LY294002 treatment decreased protein induction level of IL-6 in A549 cells compared with that of IRAK4 siRNA or LY294002 alone. These results indicate that IL-1β-induced IL-6 production in A549 cells is mediated by both PI3K and IRAK4 and suggest that involvement of PI3K in the IL-1-induced IL-6 production is cell type specific.     

Interleukin-1 binding and prostaglandin E2 synthesis by amnion cells in culture: regulation by tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist

Proinflammatory cytokines may promote preterm labor in the setting of intrauterine infection. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) synergistically stimulate the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) by amnion cells. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) inhibits the cytokine-stimulated PGE₂ production. In the present study, we investigated the binding of IL-1β on human amnion cells in culture. Untreated amnion cells possessed 540±60 IL-1 receptors per cell, with a dissociation constant of 1.4±0.4 nM. Cells treated with TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml) had 570±110 receptors per cell. TNF-α (50 ng/ml) increased the number of IL-1 receptors to 2930±590. TGF-β1 inhibited the receptor upregulation by TNF-α. Cells treated with TGF-β1 and TNF-α expressed 1140±590 receptors per cell. The binding affinity was not changed by the cytokines. IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) inhibited the stimulation of amnion cell PGE₂ production by IL-1β, but not by TNF-α. Amnion cells secreted large amounts of IL-1ra (1.1±0.3 ng/10⁵ cells). Treatment of the cells with TGF-β1 or TNF-α did not affect the release of IL-1ra. We conclude that IL-1 receptor expression is an important step in the regulation of the effects of cytokines on amnion cell PGE₂ production.     

Accumulation of cadmium in pancreatic β cells is similar to that of calcium in being stimulated by both glucose and high potassium

The transport of Cd²⁺ and the effects of this ion on secretory activity and metabolism were investigated in β cell-rich pancreatic islets isolated from obese-hyperglycemic mice. The endogenous cadmium content was 2.5 μmol/kg dry wt. After 60 min of incubation in a Ca²⁺-deficient medium containing 2.5 μM Cd²⁺ the islet cadmium content increased to 0.18 mmol/kg dry wt. This uptake was reduced by approx. 50% in the presence of 1.28 mM Ca²⁺. The incorporation of Cd²⁺ was stimulated either by raising the concentration of glucose to 20 mM or K⁺ to 30.9 mM. Whereas D-600 suppressed the stimulatory effect of glucose by 75%, it completely abolished that obtained with high K⁺. Only about 40% of the incorporated cadmium was mobilized during 60 min of incubation in a Cd²⁺-free medium containing 0.5 mM EGTA. It was possible to demonstrate a glucose-induced suppression of Cd²⁺ efflux into a Ca²⁺-deficient medium. Concentrations of Cd²⁺ up to 2.5 μM did not affect glucose oxidation, whereas, there was a progressive inhibition when the Cd²⁺ concentration was above 10 μM. Basal insulin release was stimulated by 5 μM Cd²⁺. At a concentration of 160 μM, Cd²⁺ did not affect basal insulin release but significantly inhibited the secretory response to glucose. It is concluded that the β cell uptake of Cd²⁺ is facilitated by the activation of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels. Apparently, the accumulation of Cd²⁺ mimics that of Ca²⁺ also involving a component of intracellular sequestration promoted by glucose.     

Measurement of prostaglandin F2α metabolites by radioimmunoassay

Antibodies against 15 keto PGF_2α and 13,14 dihydro 15 keto PGF_2α were produced in goats and rabbits using the appropriate prostaglandin protein conjugate. Tritium labeled 15-keto, and 13,14 dihydro 15-keto PGF_2α were prepared from ³H-PGF_2α. These antibodies and ³H-labeled compounds were used to develop radioimmunoassays for the respective F_2α metabolites. The antibodies had relatively little cross-reactivity (≤0.1%) with the parent F_2α molecule. Infusion of PGF_2α in monkeys increased 15-keto-h₂ levels 10–20 fold higher than PGF_2α in peripheral plasma. The levels of this metabolite were not altered detectably during clotting, indicating relatively slow rates of PGF_2α metabolism in vitro. These assays should be useful to follow release rates of exogenous prostaglandins from various formulations and delivery systems, and in vivo tissue synthesis of PGF_2α, where low levels preclude measuring the parent compound.     

Determination of prostaglandin F2α and E2 contents in human cerebrospinal fluid by the radioisotope dilution method

Prostaglandin F_2α and E₂ contents in human cerebrospinal fluid were determined by the radioisotope dilution method. The mean values of PGF_2α and PGE₂ of men were 9.8±0.87 ng/ml and 6.5±1.39 ng/ml, respectively. Those of women were 8.3±1.4 ng/ml and 6.9±1.72 ng/ml, respectively. The correlation between age and PG was significantly with PGE₂ of men and with PGF_2α of women.