Prostaglandin E1 reversibly induces morphological changes in macrophages and inhibits phagocytosis

Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that PGE₁ induces a strong morphological change of cultured macrophages which are accompanied by a loss in membrane activity, cell locomotion and phagocytosis. All effects induced by PGE₁ are fully reversible and seem specific, since they are not induced by PGF_2α. Characterization of the cytoskeleton by immunofluorescence microscopy reveals that neither microfibrils nor microtubuli are drastically changed. All prostaglandin E₁ induced morphological and functional change are fully reversible: after repeated washings the cells restore their normal appearance, membrane movements and phagocytic capacity.