Effects of prostaglandins E1, E2, and F2 alpha on mucin secretion from human bronchi in vitro

The effects of three prostaglandins on the output of 35S labelled mucus glycoproteins (mucins), from explants of human bronchial tissue suspended in Ussing chambers, have been investigated. Prostaglandin F2 alpha, added to the Krebs-Henseleit solution bathing both luminal and submucosal sides of the tissue, significantly increased mucin output at concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 micrograms/ml (0.28 and 2.8 microM), 11 preparations being used for each dose. Since prostaglandin F2 alpha has been shown to be released from human airways challenged by antigen, it may be important in the regulation of mucus secretion in these circumstances. Prostaglandins E1 and E2 had no significant effects on mucin output even at the highest concentration (1.0 micrograms/ml), though in half the tissues tested PGE2 stimulated secretion consistently. These results contrast with the findings in a previous study, which showed an inhibition of mucin output by PGE2.