Eicosanoid effects on cell proliferation in vitro: relevance to atherosclerosis

Several eicosanoids were tested for ability to inhibit proliferation of cells in culture. In rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells and mouse B16BL6 melanoma cells, order of potency was: 12-HETE greater than PGJ2 greater than PGA1 greater than or equal to PGE1 greater than PGE2 greater than or equal to PGD2 greater than or equal to PGA2. PGB1 was active in smooth muscle cells (greater than PGD2) but not in B16 cells. 5-HETE and Leukotriene B4 were weakly active in smooth muscle cells, and PGB2, PGF2 alpha and TXB2 were inactive in both cells types. In Swiss albino mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, PGJ2 and PGE1 showed much lower relative potency than in the other two cell lines, although the profile was otherwise similar. These findings may be relevant to the anti-atherosclerotic (and perhaps anti-tumor activity) of some eicosanoids.