Prostaglandin stimulation of rat corticosteroidogenesis

Prostaglandins and their C20:(omega)6 fatty acid precursors are present in rat adrenal glands. Small doses of prostaglandins (PGE(1), PGE(2), or PGF(1infinity) 1.4 to 2.4 micromolar) increased steroidogenesis in the superfused adrenal glands obtained from hypophysectomized rats. This effect was mimicked in part by both adrenocorticotropin and its postulated intracellular intermediate adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate; all three responses were inhibited by cycloheximide.