PGE2 synthesis by corneal endothelial cells: effect of glucocorticoids and NSAIDs

The aim of this work was to study the effect of various anti-inflammatory drugs on PGE2 synthesis in cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCECs) stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella typhimurium. NSAIDs were more potent in inhibiting LPS-stimulated PGE2 synthesis. Diclofenac was more potent than indomethacin, although both drugs showed a 98% maximal inhibitory effect. Dexamethasone inhibited 80% of the A23187-stimulated PGE2 synthesis and only 53% of the LPS-stimulated PGE2 synthesis. Prednisolone did not show an inhibitory effect. The results demonstrate the inhibitory effect of NSAIDs and show differences between the activity of glucocorticoids on PGE2 synthesis in BCECs. Prednisolone could not inhibit PGE2 synthesis in these cells in our experimental conditions.