Prostaglandin D2 and E2 syntheses in rat Kupffer cells are antagonistically regulated by lipopolysaccharide and...

Prostaglandin-synthesizing activities were demonstrated in cell-free extracts of rat Kupffer cells and characterized. The enzymatic properties of PGH2 synthase were found to be similar to those of synthases present in other organs or cell types. The specific activity of the enzyme was not changed by substances that stimulate prostanoid release by intact Kupffer cells; however, it was reduced by pretreatment of the cells with glucocorticoid hormones. On the other hand, the activities of PGD2 and PGE2 synthase were influenced differently by the kind of cell stimulation. While pretreatment of the intact cells with endotoxin and/or inhibition of protein kinase C led to an enhanced PGE2 formation in cell-free extracts, exposure to agents that enhance protein kinase C-dependent signalling pathways, e.g. phagocytotic stimuli or phorbol ester, suppressed PGE2 synthase activity and, therefore, led to enhanced PGD2 synthesis. It is in line with this observation that in vitro activation of protein kinase C of Kupffer cells resulted in a reduced PGE2 and an enhanced PGD2 synthase activity.