The potential role of prostaglandins in skeletal and muscular disorders.

Musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and polymyositis are characterized by chronic inflammation. There is evidence to suggest that prostaglandins participate in the production of the inflammatory response. In several tissues, the production of inflammation has been associated with the release of prostaglandins. The inhibitory effect of some anti-inflammatory agents on prostaglandin synthesis further suggests a prostaglandin role in inflammation. Reduction by prostaglandins of release from cells of mediators of inflammation has been described. Prostaglandin treatment also suppresses acute and chronic inflammation in several experimental models. Thus, prostaglandins may serve to regulate the inflammatory response.