We studied the effects of plasma high density and low density lipoproteins upon the synthesis of prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 by vascular smooth muscle cells. Prostaglandin synthesis was measured in 24-hour cultures by radioimmunoassay of the stable metabolites of prostacyclin, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and of prostaglandin E2. High density lipoproteins induced dose-dependent increases...

BACKGROUND A special regulatory role for prostaglandin E2 has been postulated in aspirin-induced asthma. A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of aspirin on the systemic production of prostaglandin E2 and cysteinyl leucotrienes in patients with asthma. METHODS The urinary concentrations were determined of two main prostaglandin E2 metabolites (13,14-dihydro-15keto-PGE2 using a com...

Proinflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) that are released from Kupffer cells may trigger liver inflammation and damage. Hence, endogenous mechanisms for limiting TNF-alpha expression are crucial for avoiding the development of sepsis. Such mechanisms include the anti-inflammatory actions of interleukin-10 (IL-10) as well as signaling induced by the intracellular s...

Recent reports suggest that prostaglandins play an important role in the beta-adrenergic receptor mechanism of renin release. However, the site of the action of prostaglandins has not yet been clarified. Superfusion of rabbit renal cortical slices was used to evaluate the beta-adrenergic receptor mechanism of renin release. Renin release was stimulated by isoproterenol, prostaglandin E2, and di...