Factors affecting prostaglandin synthesis by rat skin microsomes

Prostaglandin synthesis by rat skin was measured by a radiochemical method and the adrenochrome spectrophotometric method. About 70% of the total enzyme activity was located in the microsomal fraction. Incubation with (1-14C) arachidonic acid resulted in the formation of prostaglandins F2alpha, E2 and D2. The biosynthesis of these 3 prostaglandins was stimulated by reduced glutathione and hydroquinone, and was markedly dependent on pH. A number of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs produced a dose related inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis. Five potent corticosteroid anti-inflammatory agents previously found to be inhibitory when a skin homogenate was used did not inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by the microsomal fraction.