Lymphokine-mediated bone resorption requires endogenous prostaglandin synthesis

Enhanced synthesis of prostaglandin (PG) E by explanted fetal rat bones was initiated by lymphocyte-conditioned media but not by physiological levels of parathyroid hormone. Rapid release of PGE from bone occurred only when the lymphokine was present. Synthesis of PGE preceded and was necessary for the bone resorption caused by the lymphokine preparation. Local production of prostaglandins in response to inflammatory cell or tumor-derived factors may in part be responsible for the localized bone loss that occurs in certain pathological states.