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PGE2, PGF2 alpha and catecholamines in pheochromocytoma
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Medicine
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Urinary prostaglandin excretion patterns differ in pheochromocytoma (Ph) patients compared to controls. Low PGE2 and high PGF2 alpha levels suggest a disturbed relationship between catecholamines and prostaglandins in this disease.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pheochromocytoma (Ph) is a tumor of the adrenal medulla.
- Catecholamine and prostaglandin (PG) metabolism are linked.
- Altered PG excretion may occur in Ph.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between urinary prostaglandin excretion and catecholamine patterns in pheochromocytoma patients.
- To compare PG excretion in Ph patients with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- 14 Ph patients and 20 healthy controls were studied.
- Urinary prostaglandins (PGs) were measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA).
- Urinary noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (A), and dopamine (D) were measured fluorometrically.
Main Results:
- Urinary PGE2 was significantly lower in Ph patients with elevated NA+A, NA alone, or D excretion compared to controls.
- Urinary PGF2 alpha was significantly increased in Ph patients with elevated NA+A or D, but decreased in those with elevated A.
- These findings indicate a relationship between catecholamine and PG excretion patterns in Ph.
Conclusions:
- Prostaglandin excretion in pheochromocytoma is related to the specific pattern of catecholamine excretion.
- Reduced PGE2 excretion in most Ph patients suggests a disturbed physiological interrelationship between catecholamines and PGs.
- Elevated PGF2 alpha may indicate increased 9-ketoreductase activity, potentially due to excess catecholamines.