[Immune regulatory importance of prostaglandins E in atopy]

The concept proposed for the pathogenesis and prevention of atopy [Hautarzt (1989) 40:685-692] is refined by further insights into the immunoregulatory role of E-prostaglandins. It is demonstrated that in vitro IgE synthesis of peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures of patients with atopic dermatitis is suppressed by the addition of PGE1 or PGE2. The enhanced IgE production in atopy is explained by insufficient PGE-mediated down-regulation of interleukin-4-induced IgE synthesis.