Effect of prostaglandin on ion transport across isolated colonic mucosa

The effect of prostaglandins (PG) on colonic ion transport was investigated in in vitro experiments in the rat. Both PGE1 and PGA1 increased short-circuit current (Isc), potential difference, and mucosal cyclic AMP levels, but PGE1 was more potent than PGA1. 10(-4) M PGE1 inhibited active sodium transport across short-circuited colonic mucosa (6.1-1.3 microEq/hr/cm2). This effect, coupled with an increase in Isc, is consistent with prostaglandin stimulation of active anion secretion and with the recent suggestions that prostaglandins may be important intermediaries in the process by which several laxatives alter large-intestinal fluid and electrolyte movement.