The pharmacology of prostaglandin-like substances released from guinea-pig lungs during anaphylaxis

The pharmacology of the prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxanes (Txs) released from immunologically challenged guinea-pig lungs is related to their roles in the anaphylactic response. 6-oxo-PGF1alpha probably contibutes substantially to bronchoconstriction during anaphylaxis. TxB2 may contribute to the anaphylactic response by increasing SRA-A release and by stimulating leucotaxis. The 15-oxo metabolites of PGE2 and PGF2alpha are rather weak spasmogens, but might modify respiratory muscle contractions and pulmonary vascular resistance. The 15-oxo 13,14 dihydro metabolites of PGE2 PGF2alpha and TxB2 were inactive in the systems studied, suggesting an important inactivating role for the 13:14 reductase enzyme.