Prostaglandin Release by Human Cells In Vitro

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that prostaglandins may be involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Kischer (1967) has shown that PGE compounds cause thickening, stratification and precocious keratinization of the epidermis as well as inhibition of feather development in the chick embryo in culture. Prostaglandins have been shown to markedly increase levels of cyclic AMP in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated human lymphocytes (Smith et al, 197 1a), associated with the inhibition of incorporation of tritiated thymidine, uridine and leucine into DNA, RNA and protein (Smith et al, 1971b). In this Symposium, Johnson et al (1972) have demonstrated that PGE(1) in vitro alters L cell growth, motility, adhesiveness and morphology. These responses accompany an increase in the concentration of cyclic AMP, and are thus thought to be mediated by activation of the adenylate cyclase system.