An attempt was made to examine the pathophysiology of the rheumatoid nodule. Significant amounts of interleukin 1-like activity and prostaglandin E2 were detected in the supernatants from in vitro organ cultures of rheumatoid nodule tissue. When fresh (but not old) rheumatoid nodules were minced and cultured in vitro prominent outgrowths of cells were observed. These cells expressed both HLA-DR...

Exogenously added prostaglandins E1 and E2, but not F2alpha, inhibited the tumoricidal activity of interferon-activated macrophages of mice. A role for adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in modulating macrophage functional activity was suggested because prostaglandins of the E series increase intracellular concentrations of cyclic AMP in macrophages and because treatment of interferon-a...

The effect of intraperitoneal injections of dipyridamole on the elevations of intraocular pressure and anterior chamber aqueous humor protein produced by topical application of prostaglandin E2 was studied in rabbits. Pretreatment with 100 mg/kg dipyridamole inhibited the prostaglandin E2--induced ocular hypertension and rise of aqueous humor protein. Systemic administration of dipyridamole did...

A new polymer vaginal pessary providing sustained constant release of prostaglandin E2 was administered to 66 patients before planned induction of labour. Effective ripening of the unfavourable cervix was achieved in each of 18 primigravidas, in eight of whom labour was initiated without further treatment. When the cervix was moderately favourable the need for orthodox induction of labour was o...

Biosynthesis of prostanoids is regulated by three sequential enzymatic steps, namely phospholipase A2 enzymes, cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, and various lineagespecific terminal prostanoid synthases. Prostaglandin E synthase (PGES), which isomerizes COX-derived PGH2 specifically to PGE2, occurs in multiple forms with distinct enzymatic properties, expressions, localizations and functions. Two o...

By implanting a Teflon chamber subcutaneously into a sheep a mild aseptic inflammatory lesion was produced from which wound fluid could be sampled daily. The prostaglandin content of this wound fluid was examined. Prostaglandin E2 activity was found in all samples, and a peak was apparent on the fourth or fifth day after producing the lesion. The amount of prostaglandin activity appeared to be ...