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Published on: December 21, 2011
Regulation of oxygen radical release from murine peritoneal macrophages by pharmacologic doses of PGE2
Abstract:
The ability of pharmacologic doses of PGE2 to alter the release of superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from elicited peritoneal macrophages (M theta) was studied. Twice-daily administration of 200 or 100 micrograms of PGE2 to mice during accumulation of peritoneal M theta resulted in a significant reduction in M theta recovery and in the triggered release of H2O2, but not O2-. Cultivation of elicited M theta from normal mice with concentrations of PGE2 in excess of 10(-7) M for 24-48 h resulted in a significant reduction in the triggered release of H2O2, but not O2-. Cultivation for shorter periods of time or with lower concentrations of PGE2 failed to alter H2O2 release. This effect of PGE2 was reproduced by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline. The ability of PGE2 to inhibit H2O2 release in the presence of normal production of O2- was not prevented by the addition of superoxide dismutase. Cultivation of peritoneal M theta with 10(-5) M PGE2 for 48 h failed to increase intracellular catalase, although increased H2O2 scavenger activity was demonstrated. The inhibition of extracellular release of H2O2, but not O2-, by pharmacologic doses of PGE2 may be one mechanism for the anti-inflammatory action of this compound.
Insights
Pharmacologic doses of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) reduce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) release from macrophages, potentially explaining its anti-inflammatory effects. Superoxide (O2-) release remains unaffected by PGE2 treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Macrophages play a key role in inflammatory responses through the release of reactive oxygen species.
- Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is known to possess immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of pharmacologic doses of PGE2 on superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) release from peritoneal macrophages.
- To explore the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of PGE2 related to reactive oxygen species production.
Main Methods:
- Elicited peritoneal macrophages were treated with varying concentrations of PGE2 in vitro and in vivo.
- Superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) release were measured following stimulation.
- The role of phosphodiesterase and intracellular catalase was assessed.
Main Results:
- PGE2 administration significantly reduced macrophage recovery and H2O2 release in vivo.
- In vitro, PGE2 concentrations above 10(-7) M significantly inhibited H2O2 release but not O2- release.
- Theophylline mimicked PGE2's effect, while superoxide dismutase did not prevent the inhibition of H2O2 release.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacologic doses of PGE2 inhibit the extracellular release of H2O2 from macrophages, independent of O2- production.
- This selective inhibition of H2O2 release by PGE2 may contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.

