Eicosanoid synthesis in the isolated human renal pelvis, ureter and bladder

Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors are used for the treatment of ureteric colic. However, there is controversy regarding the mechanism of action of these drugs. In this study, differential prostaglandin synthesis in the human renal pelvis, ureter and bladder was measured using specific radioimmunoassays and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. There was a significant quantitative predominance of the smooth muscle constrictor eicosanoids, PGF2 alpha and TXA2 over the dilatory PGE2 in tissue from all sites--renal pelvis, ureter and bladder. The results indicate that prostaglandins play a direct role in smooth muscle activity of the upper urinary tract and the inhibition of this activity with indomethacin indicates a further mode of its action in pain relief in ureteric colic.