[Prostacyclin (PGI2) activity in the rectal mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis (author's transl)]

PGI2 synthesis was investigated in rectal mucosa of 8 patients with active ulcerative colitis, 4 in remission and 16 controls. Determinations were carried out using Moncada's bioassay. The results demonstrated enhanced PGI2 synthesis in rectal mucosa in active ulcerative colitis. Further clinical studies should clarify whether or not selective inhibiton of PGI2 synthetase might be a useful therapeutic approach in ulcerative colitis.