Induction of fatty acid cyclooxygenase activity in canine kidney cells (MDCK) by benzo(a)pyrene

Canine kidney cells (MDCK) in which [3H]arachidonic acid was esterified in the cellular lipids released increased levels of radioactive prostaglandins and arachidonic acid into the medium when cultured in the presence of benzo(a)pyrene. When MDCK cells were cultured in the presence of benzo(alpha)pyrene and 7,8-benzoflavone, this increased release was not observed. MDCK cells incubated with benzo(a)pyrene also converted exogenous arachidonic acid into prostaglandins more effectively than cells grown in its absence. 7,8-Benzoflavone inhibited this benzo(a)pyrene effect. Microsomes, prepared from benzo(alpha)pyrene-treated MDCK cells synthesized prostaglandin F2alpha from arachidonic acid more effectively than nontreated cells.