Isoprostane 8-epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha is a potent contractor of human peripheral lymphatics

Isoprostanes are products of free radical-catalyzed peroxidation and 8-epi-prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha is the most important vasomodulator of this group of compounds. In human lower leg lymphatics isolated from 5 different patients without a smoking history or hyperlipidemia, 8-epi-PGF2 alpha stimulated in vitro contraction more strongly than the thromboxane receptor agonist U46619. Other isoprostanes (8-epi-PGE1, 8-epi-PGE2) had only limited lymphatic contractile potency. These data suggest a potentially relevant role for epi-8-PGF2 alpha in facilitating lymph transport especially in conditions of inflammation.