Stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis in rat cerebral cortex via a beta-adrenoceptor

1. Synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in rat cerebral cortex slices is increased by beta-adrenoceptor agonists. 2. Phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist, has no effect while oxymetazoline increased PGF2 alpha only. 3. PG synthesis stimulation by noradrenaline (NA) was prevented by beta- but not by alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists. 4. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP and inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase augment PG synthesis. 5. Stimulation of PG synthesis in rat cerebral cortex by NA is mediated by a beta-adrenoceptor.