15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activity in the lower genitourinary tract. A preliminary report

In the pathway of prostaglandin inactivation, 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-OHPGDH) has been proven to be the catalyst of the primary catabolic step in the oxidation of the 15-hydroxyl group into a 15-keto moiety in most derivatives of prostaglandins. In this study, we analysed 15-OHPGDH activity in the lower genitourinary tract. The specimens were obtained with permission from patients who underwent surgery. These specimens were then sent for quantitative determination using a tritium release assay specific for 15-OHPGDH. The highest enzyme activity was found in the ureter with a mean +/- SE (pmol/min/mg) of 94.99 +/- 51.00; the lowest activity was in the vas deferens, with a value of 0.18 +/- 0.21. This preliminary study indicated that the activity of 15-OHPGDH in the lower genitourinary tract was significant and that prostaglandin levels in the genitourinary tract may be regulated by this enzyme.