Prostaglandin E2 secretion by subsets of human peripheral blood monocytes

The present study describes the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by various fractions of human peripheral blood monocytes, differing in their plastic adherence properties. PGE2 was found to be secreted only by phagocytic cells. Complete removal of the phagocytic monocytes, but no repeated adsorptions to a plastic surface, resulted in the abrogation of detectable PGE2 secretion. The monocyte population secreting PGE2 consisted of cells with different affinities to plastic surface. The loosely adherent phagocytic cells secreted more PGE2 than the strongly adherent phagocytic cells. The possible existence of monocyte subsets in human peripheral blood differing in their adherence property and PGE2 secretion is suggested.