The isolation of prostaglandin E from pig nasal mucosa

Prostaglandins of the E series (PGE) have been shown to be potent nasal vasoconstrictors but have not previously been isolated from the nasal mucosa. Here we report the isolation of a biologically active substance with properties similar to PGE from pig nasal mucosa. The substance was identified as PGE on the following criteria: 1 our isolation procedure demonstrated the presence of a biologically active polar acidic lipid; 2 caused contractions of the isolated rat stomach fundic strip similar to PGE2; 3 caused a prolonged nasal vasoconstriction similar to PGE2; 4 travelled on thin layer chromatogram with PGE. The PGE found in the nasal mucosa may have a role in the regulation of mucosal blood flow in normal and pathological conditions.