Variegated effects of prostaglandins on spontaneous activity in bovine mesenteric lymphatics

The effects of PGs (PGA2, PGB2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, PGI2, and 6-keto PGF1 alpha) were investigated quantitatively in insolated bovine mesenteric lymphatics for elucidating the possible significance of PGs in lymph propulsion. 10(-8) M PGF2 alpha, PGA2, and PGB2 produced recognizable increases of frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions. The positive chrono- and inotropic responses were enhanced with increasing concentration of the PGs from 10(-8) to 10(-6) M. Both PGE2 and PGI2 in a concentration range from 10(-8) to 10(-6) M caused dose-related reductions in the amplitude of spontaneous contractions. No decrease in contraction rhythm was observed by the administration of PGI2 and PGE2 at concentrations lower than 5 X 10(-7)M. All of the above-mentioned responses induced by PGF2 alpha, PGA2, PGB2, PGI2, and PGE2 were not inhibited by pretreatment with alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocking agents, muscarinic antagonist, antihistamics, and serotonic antagonist. These findings suggest that PGF2 alpha, PGA2, and PGB2 in a low concentration may facilitate lymph flow of bovine mesenteric lymphatics in the living body, since the spontaneous contractions of lymphatic smooth muscle may drive lymph centripetally in the presence of direction valves. On the other hand, PGI2 and PGE2 may cause an inhibition of lymph transport.