Effect of prostaglandin E in multiple experimental models. III. Effect on response to septic challenge

Severe thermal injuries result in significant physiologic alterations. These alterations have been attributed in part to the elevated prostaglandin E levels that follow traumatic injuries. We evaluated the physiologic sequelae of elevated prostaglandin E levels by administering a long-acting prostaglandin E2 derivative, 16,16-dimethyl-prostaglandin E2 (dPGE), to rats with septic burns. The dPGE was found to increase gut translocation of bacteria. Administration of dPGE had no significant effect on resting metabolic rate. In rats with nonseptic burns the administration of dPGE resulted in increased serum levels of acute-phase proteins. In conclusion prostaglandin E may have both detrimental and beneficial effects on traumatized persons.