The effects of reduced glutathione and cysteine on prostaglandin synthesis in rabbit kidney medulla slices.

The effects of GSH and cysteine on the generation of medullary prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha were examined. The formation of prostaglandin E2 was enhanced by GSH, but was reduced by cysteine in a dose-related manner. GSH inhibited prostaglandin F2 alpha production, while cysteine stimulated it. These results suggest that GSH and cysteine have contrary effects on prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha synthesis by affecting endoperoxide E2 isomerase or endoperoxide reductase.