Hypoxia enhances prostaglandin synthesis in renal mesangial cell cultures

In view of recent findings which suggest that renal prostaglandins mediate the effect of hypoxia on erythropoietin production, we have studied whether hypoxia is a stimulus for in vitro prostaglandin synthesis. Studies were carried out in rat renal mesangial cell cultures which produce erythropoietin in an oxygen-dependent manner. Production rates of PGE2 and in specified samples also of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, as a measure of PGI2, and PGF2 alpha were determined by radioimmunoassay after incubation at either 20% O2 (normoxic) or 2% O2 (hypoxic) in gas permeable dishes for 24 hrs. Considerable variation in PGE2 production was noted among independent cell lines. PGE2 production appeared to be inversely correlated to the cellular density of the cultures. In addition, PGE2 production was enhanced in hypoxic cell cultures. The mean increase was 50 to 60%. PGF2 alpha and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha increased by about the same rate. These results indicate that hypoxia is a stimulus for in vitro prostaglandin production.     

Prostaglandin E2-mediated migration of human trophoblast requires RAC1 and CDC42

The invasion of maternal decidua and uterine spiral arteries by a trophoblast subpopulation called extravillous trophoblast (EVT) is essential for the establishment of a normal placenta and an adequate blood flow toward the fetus. Derangements in these processes underlie pregnancy-related diseases like preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Many growth factors, growth factor binding proteins, and extracellular matrix components can positively or negatively regulate the proliferation, migration, and/or invasiveness of these EVT cells. RHO GTPases, including RHOA, RAC1, and CDC42, are ubiquitous proteins that control cytoskeletal changes by forming stress fibers and projecting lamellipodia and filopodia during cellular migration. We had previously shown that prostaglandin (PG) E(2) produced in abundance by the decidua promotes the migration of first-trimester human EVTs by increasing the intracellular concentration of calcium and activating calpain. Using our well-characterized immortalized EVT cell line, HTR-8/SVneo, as well as villus explants from first-trimester placentae, this study examined the role of RHO GTPases RAC1 and CDC42 in PGE(2)-mediated migratory responses of these cells. Though a RAC1 inhibitor, NSC23766 as well as RAC1 knockdown by siRNA decreased the migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells in a Transwell migration assay, this inhibition could not be restored by PGE(2) or 17-phenyl trinor PGE(2) (PGE receptor PTGER1 agonist) or PGE(1) Alcohol (PGE receptor PTGER4 agonist). Similar results were noted for EVT cell spreading in villus explants. Furthermore, CDC42 silencing using siRNA inhibited PGE(2)-induced migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Finally, the treatment of EVT cells with PGE(2), PTGER1 agonist, or PTGER4 agonist activated RAC1 and CDC42 at 10 min, suggesting that RAC1 and CDC42 play an essential role in PGE(2)-mediated migration of human EVTs.     

Elevation of brain prostaglandin E2 levels in rodents by delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol.

An isotopic dilution procedure using specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) brain receptors was utilized to determine the changes in brain PGE2 levels subsequent to drug exposure. Delta-1-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 1-THC) stimulated PGE2 synthesis resulting in increased brain concentrations when compared with vehicle treated rats and mice. Indomethacin markedly inhibited the delta 1-THC elevated rise in PGE2 levels presumably by inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase. The delta 1-THC-induced increase in PGE2 brain levels was also suppressed by i.v. administered rabbit PGE2-antiserum. This suggests that one of the sites of delta 1-THC action is extracerebral and from here a portion of the released prostaglandins are transported to the brain. These results add further support to previous data that delta 1-THC given orally results in an increase in brain PGE2 levels.     

Coupling of COX-1 to mPGES1 for prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis in the murine mammary gland

The mammary gland, like most tissues, produces measurable amounts of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a metabolite of arachidonic acid produced by sequential actions of two cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) and three terminal PGE synthases: microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES1), mPGES2, and cytosolic prostaglandin E2 synthase (cPGES). High PGE2 levels and COX-2 overexpression are frequently detected in mammary tumors and cell lines. However, less is known about PGE2 metabolic enzymes in the context of normal mammary development. Additionally, the primary COX partnerships of terminal PGE synthases and their contribution to normal mammary PGE2 biosynthesis are poorly understood. We demonstrate that expression of COX-1, generally considered constitutive, increases dramatically with lactogenic differentiation of the murine mammary gland. Concordantly, total PGE2 levels increase throughout mammary development, with highest levels measured in lactating tissue and breast milk. In contrast, COX-2 expression is extremely low, with only a modest increase detected during mammary involution. Expression of the G(s)-coupled PGE2 receptors, EP2 and EP4, is also temporally regulated, with highest levels detected at stages of maximal proliferation. PGE2 production is dependent on COX-1, as PGE2 levels are nearly undetectable in COX-1-deficient mammary glands. Interestingly, PGE2 levels are similarly reduced in lactating glands of mPGES1-deficient mice, indicating that PGE2 biosynthesis results from the coordinated activity of COX-1 and mPGES1. We thus provide evidence for the first time of functional coupling between COX-1 and mPGES1 in the murine mammary gland in vivo.     

Prostaglandin E2 production by renal inner medullary tissue slices: effect of metabolic inhibitors

Increasing oxygen from 5 to 95% has previously been shown to increase prostaglandin (PG) production in renal inner medullary slices. The possible role of oxidative phosphorylation in this process was investigated. The oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors, dinitrophenol (DNP), oligomycin, and cyanide were evaluted for their effects on PGE2 production and ATP levels. None of the inhibitors affected PGE2 synthesis, although they lowered ATP levels at the concentrations tested. In contrast, incubation of inner medullary tissue slices with 0% oxygen resulted in decreases both in PGE2 and ATP levels. This suggests that the effect of oxygen on prostaglandin synthesis may be due to substrate limiting effects rather than an effect on oxidative phosphorylation. When 22 mM 2-deoxyglucose was added to the incubation medium or when glucose was omitted, PGE2 levels increased. Sodium fluoride, presumably acting as a glycolytic inhibitor, increased PGE2 levels, with a maximal effect at 10 mM. ATP levels were 37% of control values with 20 mM NaF. This indicates that glucose may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. These results indicate that oxygen (substrate) availability can limit inner medullary PGE2 production. In view of the low pO2 in the inner medulla, especially during antidiuresis, oxygen can potentially regulate prostaglandin production in this tissue.     

The levels of prostaglandins associated with the reproductive cycle of the scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis

The present experiment was undertaken to investigate the seasonal variations of levels of prostaglandins (PGs) and regulation of these levels in the ovary and hemolymph of the scallop. The levels of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the hemolymph and ovary increased during sexual maturation, and these levels in the ovary showed a marked increase in the spawning season. Consecutive administration of antiestrogen inhibited the increase of the levels of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 during sexual maturation. These results indicate that the seasonal variations of the levels of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 are closely related to the reproductive cycle, suggesting that PGF2 alpha and PGE2 may be involved in the sexual maturation and spawning of the scallop. Furthermore, it was supposed that estrogen likely plays a role in the regulation of PGs production in female, well known in mammals.     

Prostaglandin E2 mediated effects on the synthesis of fetal and adult hemoglobin in blood erythroid bursts

The effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in association with erythropoietin on the synthesis of fetal and adult hemoglobin in peripheral blood-derived erythroid burst colonies from normal adults and from patients with sickle cell anemia were investigated. The synthesized hemoglobin at the end of 8, 14 or 18 days in culture was separated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography of 35S-methionine labelled hemoglobin. Quantitative estimation of the synthesized hemoglobin phenotypes, for the three indicated culture periods, showed preferential synthesis of Hb F in addition to an overall increase in hemoglobin synthesis in PGE2 treated colonies. Furthermore, the reactivation of fetal hemoglobin production by PGE2 was more pronounced when the adherent cells were included in the culture dishes. These results indicate that the addition of PGE2 to culture dishes presumably constitutes an environmental change to promote the functional changes seen in the blood erythroid bursts in terms of Hb synthesis and switching.     

The mechanisms of action of interleukin-1 on rabbit intestinal epithelial cells

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is an inflammatory mediator that increases Cl- secretion in intestinal epithelial cells. To identify the signal transduction pathway(s) involved in IL-1's action, cells were treated with IL-1 and the levels of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and phospholipase A2-activating protein (PLAP), and the activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were measured. IL-1 caused concentration- and time-dependent increases in the levels of PLA2 activity, and/or in the levels of PLAP, COX-2 and PGE2. The IL-induced increase in PGE2 levels was biphasic, with the first peak due to the increase in PLAP levels, and the second peak due to the increase in COX-2 levels. This increase in PGE2 levels may provide a mechanism for acute and chronic inflammation in the intestine.     

Stability of DNA/anti-DNA complexes.

Human monocytes in culture release small amounts of prostaglandin E (PGE) into the medium. Addition of Fc fragments of IgG to human monocyte monolayer cultures results in a marked increase in PGE release; Fab fragments, monomeric IgG, and human serum albumin have no effect. An IgG1 myeloma has no effect on PGE levels but addition of the heat aggreagted protein results in a marked increase of PGE secretion. Exposure of the cells to Con A, which binds to a specific monocyte plasma membrane receptor, also results in a large increase in PGE release. The magnitude of the increase in PGE secretion produced by exposure of the monocytes to these ligands greatly exceeds the stimulation observed after the addition of antigen-activated mononuclear cell supernatants, zymosan, Sephadex beads, or endotoxin, to monocyte cultures. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accounts for approximately 70% of the total prostaglandins released by stimulated cells. After addition of Indomethacin to monocyte cultures, the stimulatory effects of the ligands on PGE release are inhibited. Addition of Con A to monocyte cultures results in an increased incorporation of [3H]-arachidonic acid into PGE2. These results suggest that this ligand stimulates synthesis as well as release of this prostaglandin.     

Cardiac effects of prostaglandins E1 and F1 alpha

The effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and prostaglandin F1 alpha (PGF1 alpha) were studied on perfused rat hearts and isolated rat atria. Both PGE1 and PGF1 alpha produced dose-dependent increases in right atrial rate but had no effect on left atrial tension development. PGE1 (10(-4) M) increased right atrial cyclic AMP content without changing phosphorylase a activity. PGF1 alpha (10(-4) M) did not change right atrial cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP content. Both prostaglandins had no effect on left atrial cyclic nucleotide content. When infused at a rate of 1 microgram/min, PGE1 produced a time-dependent increase in cyclic AMP content in the Langendorff perfused hearts but did not alter contractile force development or phosphorylase a activity. An infusion of PGF1 alpha produced a dose-dependent increase in tension development which was secondary to a negative chronotropic effect. PGF1 alpha (1 microgram/min) did not produce any changes in cyclic nucleotide levels or phosphorylase a activity in the Langendorff perfused hearts. These results show that PGE1 can selectively increase myocardial cyclic AMP content without altering contractile force or phosphorylase activity and that PGF1 alpha does not increase rat cardiac AMP levels.     

Pre and post ovulatory changes in the concentration of prostaglandins in rat graafian follicles.

The concentrations of prostaglandin F (PGF) and prostaglandin E (PGE) were measured by radioimmunoassay in isolated Graafian follicles of mature female rats during the pre and post ovulatory period of the estrous cycle. The levels of these prostaglandins were low and relatively constant from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of proestrus, but there was a marked increase at 8 p.m. of proestrus reaching an apparent maximum at midnight (PGF 18 fold, PGE 70 fold). By 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. on the morning of estrus these prostaglandins declined rapidly to levels similar to those observed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of proestrus. The increases in prostaglandin levels occurred after the LH peak and apparently before the time of ovulation. These data confirm the role of PGF and PGE in the local mechanism of ovulation in the normal adult of a spontaneously ovulating animal species.     

Pre and post ovulatory changes in the concentration of prostaglandins in rat Graafian follicles

The concentrations of prostaglandin F (PGF) and prostaglandin E (PGE) were measured by radioimmunoassay in isolated GRaafian follicles of mature female rats during the pre and post ovulatory period of the estrous cycle. The levels of these prostaglandins were low and relatively constant from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of proestrus, but there was a marked increase at 8 p.m. of proestrus reaching an apparent maximum at midnight (PGF 18 fold, PGE 70 fold). By 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. on the morning of estrus these prostaglandins declined rapidly to levels similar to those observed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of proestrus. The increases in prostaglandin levels occurred after the LH peak and apparently before the time of ovulation. These data confirm the role of PGF and PGE in the local mechanism of ovulation in the normal adult of a spontaneously ovulating animal species.     

Regulation of macrophage-mediated tumor cell killing by prostaglandins: comparison of the effects of PGE2 and PGI2

Mouse resident peritoneal macrophages stimulated in vitro by purified bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced both prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), the latter detected as its stable metabolite, 6-keto PGF1 alpha. Maximum production, induced in each case by 1 ng/ml purified LPS, was in the range of 10(-7)M for PGI2 and 3 x 10(-8)M for PGE2. A quantitatively similar increase in intracellular levels of macrophage cyclic AMP (measured on a whole cell basis), with a similar duration of effect, was stimulated by PGE2 and PGI2; however, only PGE2 had a negative regulatory effect on macrophage activation for tumor cell killing. These data confirm that more than a whole cell increase in the concentration of cyclic AMP is needed to shut off nonspecific tumor cell killing mediated by LPS-activated resident peritoneal macrophages.     

Index to volume 8 subject index

The purpose of this study was to determine if changes in peripheral levels of E or F series prostaglandin (PGE or PGF) during pseudopregnancy (PSP) in the rat can be correlated with the changes in peripheral levels of total progestin (Total P), and if estrogen surge on day 4 is associated with increased levels of PGE or PGF. The results indicate that an increase in the concentration of PGF on day 7 may have precipitated a gradual decline in peripheral P. However, no correlation was detected between PGE and peripheral total P. Furthermore, no preimplantation increase in PGE or PGF levels was detected, even though the concentrations of these PG's were relatively high during the first 4 days of PSP.     

Inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase during exposure to WI-38 cells to prostaglandin E1.

Short term incubation of WI-38 cultures with 5.7 micron prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) caused cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity in fibroblast homogenates to fall by 25 to 35% as compared to controls. The PGE1-induced decline in phosphodiesterase activity coincided with a rapid increase in intracellular cyclic AMP levels in response to the hormone and was rapidly reversed by washing the cultures free of the prostaglandin before homogenizing the cells. The effect of PGE1 on WI-38 phosphodiesterase activity was localized to the enzyme form(s) present in 27,000 times g supernatant fractions of cell homogenates. These data suggest that the pattern of cyclic AMP accumulation in WI-38 fibroblasts exposed to PGE1 may be related, at least in part, to decreased phosphodiesterase activity during hormone stimulation.     

The effect of cocaine on gastric mucosal PGE(2), LTC(4) and ulcerations

The association between cocaine use and acute gastroduodenal perforation is known. The effect of cocaine and stress on gastric mucosal ulceration and the levels of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) was studied in 40 Sprague-Dawley rats. Controls received intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline, ten received i.p. cocaine (35 mg/kg), ten were stressed by the cold restraint method, and ten had i.p. cocaine and stress. Cocaine alone did not induce ulceration, but decreased PGE(2) levels. Stress alone caused ulceration, but was not associated with a change in either PGE(2) or LTC(4) levels. When combined with stress, however, cocaine caused a three-fold increase in ulceration and a significant increase in PGE(2) and LTC(4) levels. Stress may predispose the cocaine addict to loss of gastroduodenal mucosal integrity, which is related to an imbalance of PGE(2) and LTC(4) synthesis.     

Evidence for cAMP-independent inhibition of S-phase DNA synthesis by prostaglandins

Two prostaglandins, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and prostaglandin B1 (PGB1), block S-phase DNA synthesis in synchronous cultured baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. The prostaglandin inhibition of DNA synthesis does not appear to require elevated levels of cAMP. In BHK-21 cells that have been "desensitized" to prostaglandin stimulation of adenylate cyclase and, therefore, have control levels of cAMP, PGE1 retains its inhibitory effect on the incorporation of tritiated thymidine into DNA. When BHK cells are exposed to PGB1 (a prostaglandin that does not elicit a cAMP response), DNA synthesis is also blocked. In nonsynchronous cells exposed for 1 h to PGE and then incubated for 1 h with PGE removed, a rebound of DNA synthesis occurs, therefore providing evidence that a transient rise of cAMP in itself is not capable of causing a cascade of reactions that block the synthesis of DNA. In addition, the concentration of PGE required for inhibition of DNA synthesis is significantly less than that required for cAMP generation. Addition of 1 x 10(-8) M PGE to BHK cells can be shown to significantly inhibit DNA synthesis within 30 min, with half-maximal inhibition seen at 3 x 10(-7) M PGE. Cyclic AMP levels for controls were 4.9 +/- 0.2 and 4.6 +/- 0.1 for 1 x 10(-6) M PGE1. These findings suggest that the prostaglandins can act independently of cAMP at physiological concentrations; and, therefore, it is possible that prostaglandins have a physiological role in the control of cell growth during S-phase.     

Uterine prostaglandin levels following stimulation of the decidual cell reaction: Effects of indomethacin and tranylcypromine

Prostaglandin E (PGE) and F (PGF) levels were measured in mouse uteri at various times after either trauma (hemostat crushing) or oil stimulation of the decidual cell reaction (DCR). The oil induced DCR led to an early increase (within 5 min) in both PGE and PGF levels. Both returned to baseline by 1 h after stimulation. A second peak in PGF levels was observed at 120 min after oil stimulation. This study demonstrates a distinct difference between the pattern of PGE and PGF changes in the uterus following oil stimulation of the DCR. Indomethacin pretreatment completely blocked the oil stimulated DCR as well as all prostaglandin increases following either stimulus. The trauma stimulated DCR was not completely blocked by indomethacin pretreatment.Pretreatment with tranylcypromine, an inhibitor of prostacyclin biosynthesis, did not block the prostaglandin E and F increases, but did block the oil stimulated DCR. These findings suggest that prostacyclin may be an early mediator of the DCR.