Prostacyclin: effects on cyclic AMP in bone cells

Prostacyclin (PGI2) increased cyclic AMP in specific rat bone cell populations obtained by sequential collagenase digestion of calvariae. An osteoclastic population, characterized by high acid phosphatase levels and the ability to resorb bone in vitro, was more sensitive as reflected by responses to lower doses of PGI2 (2.3 x 10(-8)M) as well as greater responses to higher doses (3.5 x 10(-4)) of PGI2 than the other populations isolated. The osteoblastic populations, characterized by high alkaline phosphatase levels and the inability to resorb devitalized bone did not respond significantly to PGI2 at doses less than 10(-4)M and increases in cAMP were smaller. Then results suggest a differential effect of PGI2 on osteoclasts and osteoblasts which may be involved in the mode of action of endogenously produced PGI2 in bone.