Prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesizing activity in isolated murine hepatocytes and nonparenchymal liver cells

Prostanoid synthesis from 3H-arachidonic acid was compared in isolated parenchymal and nonparenchymal murine liver cells. The cells incorporated arachidonic acid into phospholipids but no prostanoid synthesis could be measured during 30 min incubation. Conditions necessary for prostanoid synthesis were different in parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells and the products were also different. Prostanoid synthesis could be induced by in vitro partial hepatectomy: parenchymal cells synthesized thromboxane A2 whereas nonparenchymal cells produced prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha. Prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha synthesis could be provoked also by homogenization of the nonparenchymal cells prepared from normal liver, while the homogenates of parenchymal cells prepared from normal liver did not synthesize thromboxane. Imidazole and indomethacin inhibited the production of thromboxane and prostaglandins, respectively. Our results suggest that the various cell types of the liver respond by the synthesis of different and specific prostanoids after the same injury.