Prostaglandins

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Prostaglandins

  • endogenous prostaglandin

  • Terms modified by Prostaglandins

  • prostaglandin biosynthesis
  • prostaglandin d synthase
  • prostaglandin d2
  • prostaglandin e
  • prostaglandin e synthase
  • prostaglandin e1
  • prostaglandin e2
  • prostaglandin e2 level
  • prostaglandin e2 production
  • prostaglandin e2 release
  • prostaglandin e2 synthesis
  • prostaglandin f2
  • prostaglandin production
  • prostaglandin release
  • prostaglandin synthesis

  • Selected Abstracts


    Prostaglandin E2 is activated by airway injury and regulates fibroblast cytoskeletal dynamics,

    THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 7 2009
    Vlad C. Sandulache MD
    Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: To characterize the activation of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2/prostaglandin (PG) E2 signaling during airway mucosal repair and its subsequent role during the wound healing process. Study Design: Prospective animal study. Methods: The subglottis was approached via cricothyroidotomy. Sham airways were closed, and wounded airways were subjected to laser injury and closed. Subglottic tissue was harvested at 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours postinjury. Secretions were collected preoperatively and at time of sacrifice. Inflammatory gene expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Subglottic/tracheal explants were exposed to exogenous IL-1, in the presence or absence of COX inhibitors. Explant-produced PGE2 levels were assayed using enzyme linked immunoassays. Human airway fibroblast migration and collagen contraction were assayed in the presence or absence of prostaglandin E2. Results: Laser injury triggers a rapid, dose-dependent increase in mucosal IL-1, and COX-2 gene expression, with an anatomical distribution proportional to the distance from the site of injury. Gene upregulation correlates with dose-dependent increases in PGE2 mucosal secretion levels. Ex vivo analysis indicates IL-1, is responsible for the activation of the COX-2 / PGE2 pathway. Prostaglandin E2 differentially inhibits airway fibroblast migration and contraction in a specific, dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: PGE2 is activated during mucosal inflammation and acts to decrease fibroplastic activity in the mucosal wound bed. During subglottic stenosis (SGS) development, the levels of PGE2 generated in response to injury may be insufficient to blunt the intrinsically fibroplastic phenotype of SGS fibroblasts, resulting in excessive scarring. Laryngoscope, 2009 [source]


    Enhancement of Ca2+ -regulated exocytosis by indomethacin in guinea-pig antral mucous cells: arachidonic acid accumulation

    EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
    Shoko Fujiwara
    Ca2+ -regulated exocytosis is enhanced by an autocrine mechanism via the PGE2,cAMP pathway in antral mucous cells of guinea-pigs. The inhibition of the PGE2,cAMP pathway by H-89 (an inhibitor of protein kinase A, PKA) or aspirin (ASA, an inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase, COX) decreased the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events by 60%. Indomethacin (IDM, an inhibitor of COX), however, decreased the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events only by 30%. Moreover, IDM increased the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events by 50% in H-89-treated or ASA-treated cells. IDM inhibits the synthesis of Prostaglandin (PGG/H) and (15R)-15-hydroxy-5,8,11 cis-13-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid (15R-HPETE), while ASA inhibits only the synthesis of PGG/H. Thus, IDM may accumulate arachidonic acid (AA). AACOCF3 or N -(p -amylcinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (ACA; both inhibitors of phospholipase A2, PLA2), which inhibits AA synthesis, decreased the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events by 60%. IDM, however, did not increase the frequency in AACOCF3 -treated cells. AA increased the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events in AACOCF3 - or ASA-treated cells, similar to IDM in ASA- and H-89-treated cells. Moreover, in the presence of AA, IDM did not increase the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events in ASA-treated cells. The PGE2 release from antral mucosa indicates that inhibition of PLA2 by ACA inhibits the AA accumulation in unstimulated and ACh-stimulated antral mucosa. The dose,response study of AA and IDM demonstrated that the concentration of intracellular AA accumulated by IDM is less than 100 nm. In conclusion, IDM modulates the ACh-stimulated exocytosis via AA accumulation in antral mucous cells. [source]


    Prostaglandins in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) sperm biology , searching for answers

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
    R. K. Kowalski
    Summary The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of prostaglandins E2 and F2, (PGE2 and PGF2,) in the blood, testis and seminal plasma of mature male rainbow trout and in the ovarian fluid to assess the effects of these prostaglandins on sperm motility parameters when present in activation media. Also prolonged incubation with prostaglandins on sperm motility and calcium influx were studied. The profile of PGE2 and PGF2, differed in concentration between blood, testicular supernatant and seminal plasma. PGE2 was predominant in the blood sample (0.29 ng ml,1) and testicular supernatant (3.1 ng ml,1) whereas their level in seminal plasma was lower than PGF2, (0.23 ng ml,1). The concentrations of PGF2, in blood, testis and seminal plasma were 0.04, 0.99, 1.3 ng ml,1, respectively. In the ovarian fluid the concentrations of both prostaglandins were higher than in the male reproductive tract. Adding both prostaglandins to activation buffer (at concentrations 15 and 70 ng ml,1) had no effect on any CASA parameters. Calcium influx related to rainbow trout sperm incubations with PGE2, and PGF2, was not detected. After 24 h incubation of sperm in artificial seminal plasma solution without and with prostaglandins all sperm samples increased their motility potential and intracellular calcium concentration. Therefore, this effect was not related to the presence of prostaglandins. In summary PGE2, and PGF2, were present in the rainbow trout male reproductive tract, and their profile varies from that of blood, testis and seminal plasma. The specific role of both prostaglandins in salmonid sperm biology remains unclear. [source]


    Timing of ibuprofen use and bone mineral density adaptations to exercise training

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2010
    Wendy M Kohrt
    Abstract Prostaglandins (PGs) are essential signaling factors in bone mechanotransduction. In animals, inhibition of the enzyme responsible for PG synthesis (cyclooxygenase) by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) blocks the bone-formation response to loading when administered before, but not immediately after, loading. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to determine whether the timing of NSAID use influences bone mineral density (BMD) adaptations to exercise in humans. Healthy premenopausal women (n,=,73) aged 21 to 40 years completed a supervised 9-month weight-bearing exercise training program. They were randomized to take (1) ibuprofen (400,mg) before exercise, placebo after (IBUP/PLAC), (2) placebo before, ibuprofen after (PLAC/IBUP), or (3) placebo before and after (PLAC/PLAC) exercise. Relative changes in hip and lumbar spine BMD from before to after exercise training were assessed using a Hologic Delphi-W dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) instrument. Because this was the first study to evaluate whether ibuprofen use affects skeletal adaptations to exercise, only women who were compliant with exercise were included in the primary analyses (IBUP/PLAC, n,=,17; PLAC/PLAC, n,=,23; and PLAC/IBUP, n,=,14). There was a significant effect of drug treatment, adjusted for baseline BMD, on the BMD response to exercise for regions of the hip (total, p,<,.001; neck, p,=,.026; trochanter, p,=,.040; shaft, p,=,.019) but not the spine (p,=,.242). The largest increases in BMD occurred in the group that took ibuprofen after exercise. Total-hip BMD changes averaged ,0.2%,±,1.3%, 0.4%,±,1.8%, and 2.1%,±,1.7% in the IBUP/PLAC, PLAC/PLAC, and PLAC/IBUP groups, respectively. This preliminary study suggests that taking NSAIDs after exercise enhances the adaptive response of BMD to exercise, whereas taking NSAIDs before may impair the adaptive response. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [source]


    Interleukin-1, Induces Cyclooxygenase-2 and Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis in Human Neuroblastoma Cells

    JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2000
    Involvement of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Nuclear Factor-
    Abstract: Prostaglandins (PGs), which are generated by the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2, modulate several functions in the CNS such as the generation of fever, the sleep/wake cycle, and the perception of pain. Moreover, the neuronal induction of COX-2 has been linked to neuroinflammatory aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The regulation of COX expression in neuronal cells is only partly understood and has been mainly linked to synaptic activity. In pathophysiological situations, however, cytokines may be potent stimulators of neuronal COX expression. Here we show that interleukin (IL)-1, induces COX-2 mRNA and protein synthesis and the release of PGE2 in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. We further demonstrate that both a free radical scavenger and an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) reduce IL-1,-induced synthesis of COX-2. IL-1, induces p38 MAPK phosphorylation and activation of the nuclear factor-,B independently from each other. Our data suggest that IL-1,-induced COX-2 expression in SK-N-SH cells is regulated by different mechanisms, presumably involving mRNA transcription and mRNA stability. The ability of p38 MAPK to augment COX-2 expression in human neuroblastoma cells, as shown here, suggests that p38 MAPK may be involved in neuronal expression of COX-2 in AD. [source]


    Preovulatory Follicle Development in Goats Following Oestrous Synchronization with Progestagens or Prostaglandins

    REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 1 2008
    D Fernandez-Moro
    Contents The study reports on differences in the dynamics of growth and functionality of preovulatory follicles in response to oestrous synchronization, either by the administration of two doses of prostaglandin or by an intravaginal progestagen sponge, in goats. The progestagen-treated group (n = 8) showed more follicles of preovulatory size (,5.5 mm) than the cloprostenol group (n = 8) during the follicular phase (4.5 ± 0.6 vs 1.9 ± 0.2, p < 0.01). The diameters of the largest follicles (LF1, LF2 and LF3) were also larger in the progestagen group (LF1, 7.8 ± 0.3 vs 7.0 ± 0.2 mm, p < 0.05; LF2, 6.7 ± 0.2 vs 5.6 ± 0.2 mm, p < 0.01; LF3, 5.5 ± 0.3 vs 4.2 ± 0.2 mm, p < 0.01). The study of the preovulatory follicles showed that 27.2% (3/11) of the follicles were in the static phase in the cloprostenol group, whilst 71.4% (10/14) were static in progestagen group (p < 0.05). Higher plasma oestradiol levels were recorded in the progestagen-treated goats during the 48 h prior to cloprostenol injection or progestagen withdrawal (4.2 ± 0.4 vs 3.0 ± 0.2 pg/ml, p < 0.05). In conclusion, goats with oestrus synchronized by progestagen showed a higher number of preovulatory-sized follicles, but a decreased oestradiol secretion when compared with does with oestrus synchronized by using prostaglandin analogues. These would support the development of alternative protocols for assisted reproduction. [source]


    Prostaglandin E2 modulates the expression of antimicrobial peptides in the fat body and midgut of Anopheles albimanus

    ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2008
    F.L. García Gil de Muñoz
    Abstract Prostaglandins (PGs) participate in the regulation of vertebrate and in at least six insect orders' immune responses. We identified PGE2 in midgut, fat body, Malpighian tubules, and ovarioles of Anopheles albimanus (Aa) mosquitoes. Our data indicate that PGE2 synthesis in cultured midguts responds to the presence of two bacterial species, Micrococcus luteus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The production of mRNA coding for antimicrobial peptides Aa -Attacin, Aa -Cecropin, and Aa -Gambicin was observed in cultured fat bodies and midguts. The production of these messengers was reduced in the presence of dexamethasone, and this effect was reversed by arachidonic acid. Adding PGE2 to cultures resulted in increased Aa -cecropin mRNA and decreased Aa -attacin and Aa -gambicin mRNAs. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 68:14,25, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Human sebocytes express prostaglandin E2 receptors EP2 and EP4 but treatment with prostaglandin E2 does not affect testosterone production

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
    W. Chen
    Summary Background, Prostaglandins (PG) play an important role in cutaneous homeostasis. Among other skin cells, human sebocytes express cyclooxygenases and can produce PGE2. Various prostanoid receptors have been demonstrated in epidermis and hair follicles, while limited data are available regarding their expression in sebaceous glands. In addition, the interaction between PGE2 and androgenesis remains largely unclear. Objectives, To examine the expression of PGE2 receptor (EP) and PGF2, receptor (FP) in human sebocytes and the influence of PGE2 or PGF2, on testosterone production. Methods, A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction study was used to detect the expression of EP subtypes and FP. A testosterone radioimmunoassay was used to measure the amount of testosterone in the supernatant of cultured SZ95 sebocytes treated with PGE2 or PGF2, alone or in the presence of various androgen precursor substrates. Results, SZ95 sebocytes expressed mainly EP2 and EP4 but not EP3 or FP. Testosterone production was not induced by PGE2 or PGF2,, alone or in the presence of cholesterol. PGE2 did not affect androgenesis in cultured sebocytes. Conclusions, The expression patterns of prostanoid receptors differ between sebocytes, hair follicles and epidermis. The effects of PGE2 and PGF2, on the proliferation, lipogenesis and inflammation of sebocytes appear not to be associated with androgenesis. [source]


    Prostaglandins, bioassay and inflammation

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue S1 2006
    R J Flower
    The formation of the British Pharmacological Society coincided almost exactly with a series of ground-breaking studies that ushered in an entirely new field of research , that of lipid mediator pharmacology. For many years following their chemical characterisation, lipids were considered only to be of dietary or structural importance. From the 1930s, all this changed , slowly at first and then more dramatically in the 1970s and 1980s with the emergence of the prostaglandins (PGs), the first intercellular mediators to be clearly derived from lipids, in a dynamic on-demand system. The PGs exhibit a wide range of biological activities that are still being evaluated and their properties underlie the action of one of the world's all-time favourite medicines, aspirin, as well as its more modern congeners. This paper traces the development of the PG field, with particular emphasis on the skilful utilisation of the twin techniques of bioassay and analytical chemistry by U.K. and Swedish scientists, and the intellectual interplay between them that led to the award of a joint Nobel Prize to the principal researchers in the PG field, half a century after the first discovery of these astonishingly versatile mediators. British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, S182,S192. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706506 [source]


    Effects of a new 1,3,4-thiadiazolium mesoionic compound, MI-D, on the acute inflammatory response

    DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 4 2004
    Júlio C. Cardoso
    Abstract A new mesoionic compound, 4-phenyl-5-(4-nitro-cinnamoyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazolium-2-phenylamine (MI-D), is described along with some of its biological properties. Its effects on hepatic metabolism, on O and nitric oxide (NO) production, and in in vivo models for potential antinociceptive, antipyretic, and antiinflammatory activities were determined. In perfused rat liver, MI-D (25 µM) stimulated glycogenolysis (95%), and inhibited oxygen uptake (37%) with affecting glycolysis. In phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated macrophages, O generation was reduced (95%) by MI-D (15 µM), whereas the production of NO was unaffected. MI-D (2 mg/kg) inhibited (55%) the number of abdominal writhings induced by acetic acid. At 1 mg/kg, MI-D inhibited the febrile response (5 h) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and was also effective against a preexisting febrile response. Treatment with MI-D (1 mg/kg) reduced by 67% prostaglandin (PGE2) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of LPS-exposed mice, and at a higher dose (8 mg/kg) MI-D inhibited paw edema formation (2 h) induced by carrageenan. MI-D has a spectrum of activities similar to other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, qualifying it as a potential anti-inflammatory drug. Drug Dev. Res. 61:207,217, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Bradykinin stimulates prostaglandin E2 production and cyclooxygenase activity in equine nonglandular and glandular gastric mucosa in vitro

    EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2008
    N. K. MORRISSEY
    Summary Reasons for performing study: There are few data available regarding regulation of prostaglandin (PG) generation by equine gastric mucosae and the role of the cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms in their production. Objectives: To: 1) characterise and quantify PGE2 output in vitro; 2) examine the sensitivity of PGE2 production to exogenous bradykinin (BK) exposure; 3) determine the contribution of the COX-1 and COX-2 pathways to basal and BK-stimulated PGE2 production; and 4) measure if BK influences electrogenic ion transport in equine gastric mucosae in vitro. Methods: Full thickness gastric sheets were obtained from horses at post mortem, stripped of muscle layers and mounted in Ussing chambers. Tissues were exposed to bradykinin (BK, 0.1 ,mol/l) either alone, or following pretreatment with a selective COX-2 inhibitor (NS-398, 1 ,mol/l) or a nonselective COX inhibitor (piroxicam, 1 ,mol/l), or were untreated. Results: BK administration increased PGE2 output from the basolateral but not the apical faces of both tissue types. Piroxicam, but not NS-398, reduced basolateral PGE2 release below control levels in both tissue types. Both piroxicam and NS-398 pretreatment inhibited BK-stimulated PGE2 release. In separate experiments, BK was without effect upon electrophysiological parameters of tissues mounted in Ussing chambers. Conclusions: PGE2 is produced by the nonglandular and glandular equine gastric mucosae in vitro. Significantly more PGE2 is released basolaterally than apically. BK stimulated the production of PGE2 from the basolateral side of both tissue types. These findings suggest that COX-1 is a significant pathway for basal PGE2 production from the basolateral faces of both nonglandular and glandular equine gastric mucosae in vitro. Potential relevance: The identification of the cells responsible for basolateral PGE2 release, via both COX-1 and COX-2 pathways, under basal and BK-stimulated conditions requires further study. [source]


    Effects of endothelin-1 on portal-systemic collaterals of common bile duct-ligated cirrhotic rats

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 4 2004
    C.-C. Chan
    Abstract Background/Aims, Endothelin-1 (ET-1) may induce intrahepatic vasoconstriction and consequently increase portal pressure. Endothelin-1 has been shown to exert a direct vasoconstrictive effect on the collateral vessels in partially portal vein-ligated rats with a high degree of portal-systemic shunting. This study investigated the collateral vascular responses to ET-1, the receptors in mediation and the regulation of ET-1 action by nitric oxide and prostaglandin in cirrhotic rats with a relatively low degree of portal-systemic shunting. Methods, The portal-systemic collaterals of common bile duct-ligated (BDL) cirrhotic rats were tested by in situ perfusion. The concentration-response curves of collaterals to graded concentrations of ET-1 (10,10,10,7 m) with or without BQ-123 (ETA receptor antagonist, 2 × 10,6 m), BQ-788 (ETB receptor antagonist, 10,7 m) or both were recorded. In addition, the collateral responses to ET-1 with preincubation of N, -nitro-L-arginine (NNA, 10,4 M), indomethacin (INDO, 10,5 M) or in combination were assessed. Results, Endothelin-1 significantly increased the perfusion pressures of portal-systemic collaterals. The ET-1-induced constrictive effects were inhibited by BQ-123 or BQ-123 plus BQ-788 but not by BQ-788 alone. The inhibitory effect was greater in the combination group. Pretreatment of NNA or NNA plus INDO equivalently enhanced the response of ET-1 while pretreatment of INDO alone exerted no effect. Conclusion, Endothelin-1 has a direct vasoconstrictive effect on the collaterals of BDL cirrhotic rats, mainly mediated by ETA receptor. Endogenous nitric oxide may play an important role in modulating the effects of ET-1 in the portal-systemic collaterals of BDL cirrhotic rats. [source]


    Hierarchy of eosinophil chemoattractants: role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 9 2006
    Petra Schratl
    Abstract Several chemoattractants can regulate the recruitment of eosinophils to sites of inflammation, but the hierarchy among them is unknown. We observed here that eosinophil chemotaxis towards eotaxin or 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) was amplified up to sixfold in the presence of prostaglandin (PG) D2. This effect was only seen in eosinophils, and not in neutrophils or basophils. Pretreatment with the chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells (CRTH2) antagonist ramatroban prevented the PGD2 enhancement of eosinophil migrations. In contrast, eotaxin or 5-oxo-ETE inhibited the migration of eosinophils towards PGD2. 5-oxo-ETE enhanced the chemotaxis to eotaxin, while eotaxin had no effect on 5-oxo-ETE-induced migration. 5-oxo-ETE induced the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase by SB-202190 converted the effect of 5-oxo-ETE on the chemotaxis to PGD2 from inhibition to enhancement. The presence of blood or plasma markedly decreased the sensitivity of eosinophils to eotaxin or 5-oxo-ETE, while responses to PGD2 were unaltered. In conclusion, PGD2 might be an initial chemoattractant, since it maintains its potency in the circulation and augments the responsiveness of eosinophils to other chemoattractants. In contrast, eotaxin seems to be an end-point chemoattractant, since it has reduced efficacy in blood and is capable of down-modulating eosinophil responsiveness to other chemoattractants. [source]


    Downregulation of protease-activated receptor-1 in human lung fibroblasts is specifically mediated by the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP2 through cAMP elevation and protein kinase A

    FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 14 2008
    Elena Sokolova
    Many cellular functions of lung fibroblasts are controlled by protease-activated receptors (PARs). In fibrotic diseases, PAR-1 plays a major role in controlling fibroproliferative and inflammatory responses. Therefore, in these diseases, regulation of PAR-1 expression plays an important role. Using the selective prostaglandin EP2 receptor agonist butaprost and cAMP-elevating agents, we show here that prostaglandin (PG)E2, via the prostanoid receptor EP2 and subsequent cAMP elevation, downregulates mRNA and protein levels of PAR-1 in human lung fibroblasts. Under these conditions, the functional response of PAR-1 in fibroblasts is reduced. These effects are specific for PGE2. Activation of other receptors coupled to cAMP elevation, such as ,-adrenergic and adenosine receptors, does not reproduce the effects of PGE2. PGE2 -mediated downregulation of PAR-1 depends mainly on protein kinase A activity, but does not depend on another cAMP effector, the exchange protein activated by cAMP. PGE2 -induced reduction of PAR-1 level is not due to a decrease of PAR-1 mRNA stability, but rather to transcriptional regulation. The present results provide further insights into the therapeutic potential of PGE2 to specifically control fibroblast function in fibrotic diseases. [source]


    Prostaglandin E synthase in the pathophysiology of arthritis

    FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
    Fumiaki Kojima
    Abstract Prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) is a recently identified terminal enzyme that acts downstream of cyclooxygenase and catalyzes the conversion of prostaglandin (PG) H2 to PGE2. At least three isozymes have been cloned so far, which are called membrane-associated PGES (mPGES)-1, mPGES-2, and cytosolic PGES. Among them, mPGES-1 is induced by various inflammatory stimuli in some cells and tissues. Induction of mPGES-1 in the component of articular tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis has been demonstrated in vitro. Recent studies using adjuvant induced arthritis model have shown the increase of mPGES-1 expression resulted in the increase of PGE2 production at the sites of inflammation. In addition, reports of mPGES-1-deficient mice clearly suggest the role of mPGES-1 in the process of chronic inflammation such as collagen-induced arthritis and collagen antibody induced arthritis in vivo. Thus, recent in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that mPGES-1 may be a novel therapeutic target for arthritis. This paper introduces recent advances in research about the role of PGES in the pathophysiology of arthritis. [source]


    Thrombin induces expression of cytokine-induced SH2 protein (CIS) in rat brain astrocytes: Involvement of phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase

    GLIA, Issue 2 2004
    Kyung-ae Ji
    Abstract Previously we have reported that thrombin induces inflammatory mediators in brain glial cells (Ryu et al. 2000. J Biol Chem 275:29955). In the present study, we found that thrombin induced a negative regulator of a cytokine signaling molecule, cytokine-induced SH2 protein (CIS), in rat brain astrocytes. In response to thrombin, CIS expression was increased at both the mRNA and protein levels. Although STAT5 is known to regulate CIS expression, thrombin did not activate STAT5, and inhibitors of JAK2 (AG490) and JAK3 (WHI-P97 and WHI-P154) had little effect on thrombin-induced CIS expression. In contrast, cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), cyclooxygenase (COX), and lipoxygenase (LO) play a role in CIS expression, since inhibitors of cPLA2, cyclooxygenase (COX), and LO significantly reduced CIS expression. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers (N-acetyl-cysteine [NAC] and trolox) reduced thrombin-induced CIS expression, and inhibitors of COX and LO reduced ROS produced by thrombin. Furthermore, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), products of COX and LO, respectively, potentiated thrombin-induced CIS expression, indicating that ROS, and PGE2 and LTB4 generated by COX and LO, mediate CIS expression. Since interferon-, (IFN-,)-induced GAS-luciferase activity and tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 were lower in CIS-transfected cells compared to control vector-transfected cells, CIS could have anti-inflammatory activity. These data suggest that thrombin-stimulation of ROS and prostaglandin and leukotriene production via the cPLA2, COX and LO pathways results in CIS expression. More importantly, CIS expression may be a negative feedback mechanism that prevents prolonged inflammatory responses. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Lewis Acid Catalyzed, Selective Cyclopropane-Ring Opening in Ingol Diterpene Derivatives

    HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 9 2005
    Masuna Srinivasulu
    Lewis acid mediated skeletal rearrangement of the ingol diterpenoids 1 and 4via regio- and stereospecific cyclopropane-ring opening afforded the four new compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6, named nivulianol A,D (Scheme,1). Their structures were established by means of IR, MS, and in-depth NMR spectroscopic analyses. The rearranged congeners were tested for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced prostaglandin (PG) E2 (cyclooxygenase-2) inhibition. Thereby, nivulianol B (=(1S*,2E,4R*,5S*,7Z,9S*,11R,13S*,14S*)-14-acetoxy-5-methoxy-3,9,13-trimethyl-6-(1-methylethenyl)-10-oxo-15-oxatricyclo[9.3.1.01,11]pentadeca-2,7-dien-4-yl (2Z)-2-methylbut-2-enoate; 3) was found to be significantly active, with an IC50 value of 36.3,,g/ml. [source]


    Mast cells and eicosanoid mediators: a system of reciprocal paracrine and autocrine regulation

    IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 1 2007
    Joshua A. Boyce
    Summary:, When activated by specific antigen, complement, or other transmembrane stimuli, mast cells (MCs) generate three eicosanoids: prostaglandin (PG)D2, leukotriene (LT)B4, and LTC4, the parent molecule of the cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs). These diverse lipid mediators, which are generated from a single cell membrane-associated precursor, arachidonic acid, can initiate, amplify, or dampen inflammatory responses and influence the magnitude, duration, and nature of subsequent immune responses. PGD2 and cysLTs, which were originally recognized for their bronchoconstricting and vasoactive properties, also serve diverse and pivotal functions in effector cell trafficking, antigen presentation, leukocyte activation, matrix deposition, and fibrosis. LTB4 is a powerful chemoattractant for neutrophils and certain lymphocyte subsets. Thus, MCs can contribute to each of these processes through eicosanoid generation. Additionally, MCs express G-protein-coupled receptors specific for cysLTs, LTB4, and another eicosanoid, PGE2. Each of these receptors can regulate MC functions in vivo by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. This review focuses on the biologic functions for MC-associated eicosanoids, the regulation of their production, and the mechanisms by which eicosanoids may regulate MC function in host defense and disease. [source]


    Reversal of inflammation-associated dihydrodiol dehydrogenases (AKR1C1 and AKR1C2) overexpression and drug resistance in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells by wogonin and chrysin

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 9 2007
    Hao-Wei Wang
    Abstract Dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DDH) is a member of the aldo-keto reductases superfamily (AKR1C1,AKR1C4), which plays central roles in the metabolism of steroid hormone, prostaglandin and xenobiotics. We have previously detected overexpression of DDH as an indicator of poor prognosis and chemoresistance in human non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). We also found DDH expression to be closely related to chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the links between inflammation, DDH expression and drug resistance in NSCLC cells. We showed that pro-inflammatory mediators including interleukin-6 (IL-6) could induce AKR1C1/1C2 expression in NSCLC cells and increase cellular resistance to cisplatin and adriamycin. This effect was nullified by Safingol, a protein kinase C inhibitor. Moreover, the expression of AKR1C1/1C2 was inversely correlated to NBS1 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). We also showed that IL-6-induced AKR1C1/1C2 expression and drug resistance were inhibited by wogonin and chrysin, which are major flavonoids in Scutellaria baicalensis, a widely used traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. In conclusion, this study demonstrated novel links of pro-inflammatory signals, AKR1C1/1C2 expression and drug resistance in NSCLC. The protein kinase C pathway may play an important role in this process. Overexpression of AKR1C1/1C2 may serve as a marker of chemoresistance. Further studies are warranted to evaluate wogonin and chrysin as a potential adjuvant therapy for drug-resistant NSCLC, especially for those with AKR1C1/1C2 overexpression. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    The effect of nitric oxide on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression in head and neck cancer cell lines

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 5 2003
    Seok-Woo Park
    Abstract The overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been previously reported in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), as well as in many cancers. We hypothesized that endogenous nitric oxide (NO) might increase the expression of COX-2 in cancer cells. Therefore, we investigated the cross-talk between NO and the prostaglandin (PG) pathways in HNSCC cell lines. We found that COX-2 and iNOS expressions were elevated simultaneously. On adding the NO donor, SNAP, the PGE2 level was increased 2,20 times due to increased COX-2 expression. This increase of COX-2 expression by SNAP or PMA (potent inducer of both iNOS and COX-2) was blocked to various degrees by NO scavengers and NOS inhibitors (L-NAME and 1400W). Also, the expression of COX-2 in resting cells was inhibited by NOS inhibitors. Moreover, COX-2 expression, induced by SNAP, was inhibited by ODQ, a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor. The effect of dibutyryl-cGMP on COX-2 expression was similar to that of SNAP. These results imply that endogenous or exogenous NO activates sGC and that the resulting increase of cGMP induces a signaling that upregulates the expression of COX-2 in HNSCC cell lines. We also observed that NO increased COX-2 expression in different cancer cell lines, including cervic and gastric cancer cell lines. These findings further support the notion that NO can be associated with carcinogenesis through the upregulation of COX-2, and that NOS inhibitor may be also useful for cancer prevention. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Immunotherapy against metastatic renal cell carcinoma with mature dendritic cells

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 4 2007
    Akihiko Matsumoto
    Objective: We performed a clinical trial of immunotherapy using autologous mature dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with autologous tumor lysate, for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: Patients with refractory metastatic RCC were enrolled in the study. All of them received interferon (IFN)-, treatment after nephrectomy and were followed over 3 months prior to this study. Autologous monocyte-derived immature DC were pulsed with lysate from autologous primary tumor as the antigen and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) as immunomodulator, and cultured in the presence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-,, interleukin (IL)-1,, and prostaglandin (PG)E2 to generate mature DC. Mature DC were injected intradermally near bilateral inguinal lymph nodes of the patients. A delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) test and enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay were performed to evaluate the immunological response. After 4 months from first injection, the clinical effect was evaluated by diagnostic imaging. Results: The treatments were well tolerated without significant toxicity by the patients who were an average of 65.7 years old and had multiple metastases in the lung and other organs. One of the two patients developed a positive DTH reaction to tumor lysate and the other patient only to KLH. The patient with a positive DTH reaction to tumor lysate had stable disease in the clinical evaluation. Conclusions: We confirmed the safety of DC therapy in this clinical trial. The DTH test revealed that the DC therapy induced immunological response to RCC. On the other hand, it was necessary to reconsider the patient selection criteria. [source]


    Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Induces Cyclo-oxygenase 2 in Osteoblasts via a Cbfa1 Binding Site: Role in Effects of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 In Vitro and In Vivo

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 10 2005
    Daichi Chikazu
    Abstract We tested the hypothesis that induction of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) 2 mediates some effects of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 on bone. BMP-2 induced COX-2 mRNA and prostaglandin (PG) production in cultured osteoblasts. BMP-2 increased luciferase activity in calvarial osteoblasts from mice transgenic for a COX-2 promoter-luciferase reporter construct (Pluc) and in MC3T3-E1 cells transfected with Pluc. Deletion analysis identified the -300/-213-bp region of the COX-2 promoter as necessary for BMP-2 stimulation of luciferase activity. Mutation of core-binding factor activity 1 (muCbfa1) consensus sequence (5,-AACCACA-3,) at -267/-261 bp decreased BMP-2 stimulation of luciferase activity by 82%. Binding of nuclear proteins to an oligonucleotide spanning the Cbfa1 site was inhibited or supershifted by specific antibodies to Cbfa1. In cultured osteoblasts from calvariae of COX-2 knockout (-/-) and wild-type (+/+) mice, the absence of COX-2 expression reduced the BMP-2 stimulation of both ALP activity and osteocalcin mRNA expression. In cultured marrow cells flushed from long bones, BMP-2 induced osteoclast formation in cells from COX-2+/+ mice but not in cells from COX-2,/, mice. In vivo, BMP-2 (10 ,g/pellet) induced mineralization in pellets of lyophilized collagen implanted in the flanks of mice. Mineralization of pellets, measured by microcomputed tomography (,CT), was decreased by 78% in COX-2,/, mice compared with COX-2+/+ mice. We conclude that BMP-2 transcriptionally induces COX-2 in osteoblasts via a Cbfa1 binding site and that the BMP-2 induction of COX-2 can contribute to effects of BMP-2 on osteoblastic differentiation and osteoclast formation in vitro and to the BMP-2 stimulation of ectopic bone formation in vivo. [source]


    Consequences of altered eicosanoid patterns for nociceptive processing in mPGES-1-deficient mice

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 2 2008
    Christian Brenneis
    Abstract Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis in the spinal cord plays a major role in the development of inflammatory hyperalgesia and allodynia. Microsomal PGE2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) isomerizes COX-2-derived PGH2 to PGE2. Here, we evaluated the effect of mPGES-1-deficiency on the noci-ceptive behavior in various models of nociception that depend on PGE2 synthesis. Surprisingly, in the COX-2-dependent zymosan-evoked hyperalgesia model, the nociceptive behavior was not reduced in mPGES-1-deficient mice despite a marked decrease of the spinal PGE2 synthesis. Similarly, the nociceptive behavior was unaltered in mPGES-1-deficient mice in the formalin test. Importantly, spinal cords and primary spinal cord cells derived from mPGES-1-deficient mice showed a redirection of the PGE2 synthesis to PGD2, PGF2, and 6-keto-PGF1, (stable metabolite of PGI2). Since the latter prostaglandins serve also as mediators of noci-ception they may compensate the loss of PGE2 synthesis in mPGES-1-deficient mice. [source]


    Activation and induction of cytosolic phospholipase A2 by IL-1, in human tracheal smooth muscle cells: Role of MAPKs/p300 and NF-,B

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2010
    Chiang-Wen Lee
    Abstract Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) plays a pivotal role in mediating agonist-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release for prostaglandin (PG) synthesis during inflammation triggered by IL-1,. However, the mechanisms underlying IL-1,-induced cPLA2 expression and PGE2 synthesis in human tracheal smooth muscle cells (HTSMCs) remain unknown. IL-1,-induced cPLA2 protein and mRNA expression, PGE2 production, or phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and JNK1/2, which was attenuated by pretreatment with the inhibitors of MEK1/2 (U0126), p38 MAPK (SB202190), and JNK1/2 (SP600125) or transfection with siRNAs of MEK1, p42, p38, and JNK2. IL-1,-induced cPLA2 expression was also inhibited by pretreatment with a NF-,B inhibitor, helenalin or transfection with siRNA of NIK, IKK,, or IKK,. IL-,-induced NF-,B translocation was blocked by pretreatment with helenalin, but not U0126, SB202190, and SP600125. In addition, transfection with p300 siRNA blocked cPLA2 expression induced by IL-1,. Moreover, p300 was associated with the cPLA2 promoter, which was dynamically linked to histone H4 acetylation stimulated by IL-1,. These results suggest that in HTSMCs, activation of MAPKs, NF-,B, and p300 are essential for IL-1,-induced cPLA2 expression and PGE2 secretion. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 1045,1056, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Thrombin induces cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 release via PAR1 activation and ERK1/2- and p38 MAPK-dependent pathway in murine macrophages

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2009
    Huey-Ming Lo
    Abstract Thrombin levels increase at sites of vascular injury and during acute coronary syndromes. It is also increased several fold by sepsis with a reciprocal decrease in the anti-thrombin III levels. In this study we investigate the effects of thrombin on the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin (PG) production in macrophages. Thrombin-induced COX-2 protein and mRNA expression in RAW264.7 and primary cultured peritoneal macrophages. A serine proteinase, trypsin, also exerted a similar effect. The inducing effect by thrombin in macrophages was not affected by a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding antibiotic, polymyxin B, excluding the possibility of LPS contamination. The increase of COX-2 expression by thrombin was functionally linked to release of PGE2 and PGI2 but not thromboxane A2 into macrophage culture medium. Thrombin-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production were significantly attenuated by PD98059 and SB202190 but not by SP600125, suggesting that ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation were involved in this process. This was supported by the observation that thrombin could directly activate ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in macrophages. A further analysis indicated that the proteinase-activated receptor 1 (PAR1)-activating agonist induced effects similar to those induced by thrombin in macrophages and the PAR1 antagonist-SCH79797 could attenuate thrombin-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 release. Taken together, we provided evidence demonstrating that thrombin can induce COX-2 mRNA and protein expression and PGE2 production in macrophages through PAR1 activation and ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. The results presented here may explain, at least in part, the possible contribution of thrombin and macrophages in these pathological conditions. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1143,1152, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase: potential drug targets in cancer

    JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010
    O. Rådmark
    Abstract., Rådmark O, Samuelsson B (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden). Microsomal prostaglandin Esynthase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase: potential drug targets in cancer (Review). J Intern Med 2010; 268:5,14. There is strong evidence for a role of prostaglandin (PG)E2 in cancer cell proliferation and tumour development. In PGE2 biosynthesis, cyclooxygenases (COX-1/2) convert arachidonic acid to PGH2, which can be isomerized to PGE2 by PGE synthases, including microsomal PGE synthase-1 (MPGES-1). Data describing genetic deletions of MPGES-1 are reviewed. The results suggest that MPGES-1 is an alternative therapeutic target for cancer cells and tumours that express this enzyme. Several compounds that target COX-2 or MPGES-1 also inhibit 5-lipoxygenase. This may be advantageous for treatment of some forms of cancer. [source]


    Synthesis of [phenyl-2- 3H]-travoprost: isopropyl ester prodrug of a selective prostaglandin FP receptor agonist

    JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 3 2001
    Robert Selliah
    Abstract A method for the preparation of tritium labeled travoprost, a new ocular hypotensive prostaglandin, is described. A highly selective catalytic deiodination has been identified which provides [phenyl-2- 3H]-travoprost in a single synthetic step from 2,-iodo-travoprost. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Dopaminergic neurotoxicity by 6-OHDA and MPP+: Differential requirement for neuronal cyclooxygenase activity

    JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 1 2005
    Emilce Carrasco
    Abstract Cyclooxygenase (COX), a key enzymatic mediator of inflammation, is present in microglia and surviving dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD), but its role and place in the chain of neurodegenerative events is unclear. Epidemiologic evidence showed that regular use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), specifically non-aspirin COX inhibitors like ibuprofen, lowers the risk for PD; however, the putative cause-and-effect relationship between COX activity in activated microglia and neuronal loss was challenged recently. We examined whether neuronal COX activity is involved directly in dopaminergic cell death after neurotoxic insult. Using low concentrations of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridium ion (MPP+), neurotoxicants used to model selective dopaminergic cell loss in PD, and cultures of embryonic rat mesencephalic neurons essentially devoid of glia, we tested whether the nonselective COX inhibitor ibuprofen attenuated 6-OHDA and MPP+ neurotoxicity. At levels close to its IC50 for both COX isoforms, ibuprofen protected dopaminergic neurons against 6-OHDA but not MPP+ toxicity. Experiments with selective inhibitors of COX-1 (SC-560) and COX-2 (NS-398 and Cayman 10404), indicated that COX-2, but not COX-1, was involved in 6-OHDA toxicity. Accordingly, 6-OHDA, but not MPP+, increased prostaglandin (PG) levels twofold and this increase was blocked by ibuprofen. At concentrations well above its IC50 for COX, ibuprofen also prevented MPP+ toxicity, but had only limited efficacy against loss of structural complexity. Taken together, our data suggest that selective 6-OHDA toxicity to dopaminergic neurons is associated with neuronal COX-2, whereas MPP+ toxicity is COX independent. This difference may be important for understanding and manipulating mechanisms of dopaminergic cell death. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Influence of progesterone on myometrial contractility in pregnant mice treated with lipopolysaccharide

    JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 6 2007
    Hiroshi Anbe
    Abstract Aim:, To evaluate the effect of progesterone on interleukin (IL)-6, prostaglandin (PG) E2 and nitric oxide (NO) metabolite (NOx) production and contractile activity by NO in pregnant mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods:, Pregnant C57BL mice on day 14 of gestation were killed 6 h after i.p. injection of LPS (400 ,g/kg) or vehicle. Progesterone (2 mg) was subcutaneously injected 2 h before LPS treatment. Uterine rings were equilibrated in Krebs-Henseleit solution (37°C) bubbled with 20% O2 and 5% CO2 (pH 7.4) for sampling and isometric tension recording. IL-6, PGE2 and NOx productions were measured from the bathing solution. Changes in spontaneous contractile activity in response to cumulative concentrations of l -arginine, diethylamine/nitric oxide (DEA/NO, the NO donor), and 8-bromo-cGMP (8-br-cGMP) were compared. Integral contractile activity over 10 min after each concentration was calculated and expressed as percentage change from basal activity. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way anova followed by Dunnett's test (significance was defined as P < 0.05). Results:, Interleukin-6 (34.7 ± 6.0 pg/g tissue), PGE2 (66.8 ± 6.7 pg/g tissue) and NOx (51.0 ± 5.4 pmol/2 mL/g wet tissue) production were significantly stimulated by LPS treatment (138.2 ± 23.2, 147.0 ± 29.0, 98.6 ± 16.2, respectively; P < 0.05). l -arginine, DEA/NO and 8-br-cGMP concentration-dependently inhibited spontaneous contractions in uterine rings both in LPS-treated and -untreated animals. Treatment with LPS significantly attenuated the maximal inhibition induced by l -arginine, DEA/NO and 8-br-cGMP in uterine rings from pregnant mice. Progesterone significantly decreased the levels of IL-6 production (74.9 ± 12.1, P < 0.05), but not PGE2 and NOx production, and contractile responses by l -arginine, DEA/NO and 8-br-cGMP. Conclusions:, The administration of LPS is associated with increases in IL-6, PGE2 and NO, and these increases may or may not have a role to play in LPS-induced preterm labor. Progesterone reduced the LPS-induced increase in IL-6 production and this may be one of the ways that progesterone reduces the risk of preterm labor. [source]


    The Presence and Role of the Dopamine DA-2 Receptor in the Human Decidua

    JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 6 2000
    Fujimi Arai
    Abstract Objectives: Our objectives were to identify the presence of the dopamine DA-2 receptor in human decidua and to study its function in human parturition. Methods: Human term decidual tissues were obtained during vaginal delivery and then homogenized. The P3 fraction was prepared for a radiolabeled receptor assay with [3H] spiperone as the ligand. Human decidual tissues obtained at cesarean section before the onset of labor were incubated in Krebs-Ringer buffer at 37°C for 30 minutes in the presence of dopamine with or without (,)-sulpiride. The level of prostaglandin (PG) F in the medium was measured with a RIA kit. Differences were assessed with the Wilcoxon non-parametric test. Results: Scatchard analysis showed a single class of binding sites having an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 2.25 + 0.59 nm (mean + SD) and a maximum binding capacity (Bmax) value of 166.5 + 77.7 fmol/mg protein (n = 3). Dopamine significantly increased the production of PGF. This stimulatory effect of dopamine was suppressed by (,)-sulpiride (p < 0.05; n = 7). Conclusion: The DA-2 receptor was demonstrated in the human decidua. Dopamine can stimulate PGF production via this receptor. [source]