Production of prostaglandins I2, E2 and F2 alpha by blood vessels of normotensive and hypertensive, male and female rats.

Prostaglandin (PG) I2 (measured as 6-keto-PGF1 alpha) was the major PG synthesized by aortic homogenates from normotensive and hypertensive male rats, with lesser quantities of PGF2 alpha and PGE2. Homogenates of vena cava from the same rats synthesized PGI2 and PGE2 in similar quantities. PGF2 alpha synthesis by aortic homogenates was significantly higher in hypertensive than in normotensive male rats. A similar trend was seen in PGF2 alpha synthesis by homogenates of the vena cava. Separation of the aorta of normotensive and hypertensive, male rats showed that PGI2 was the major PG synthesized by endothelial cells and smooth muscle, and that PGF2 alpha was the major PG synthesized by adventitia. PGI2 synthesis by smooth muscle and PGE2 synthesis by endothelial cells were lower, and PGF2 alpha synthesis by endothelial cells and smooth muscle were higher in hypertensive than in normotensive, male rats. PGI2 was the major PG released from the aorta of normotensive and hypertensive male rats, together with lesser quantities of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha. Aortic PGF2 alpha output, but not PGI2 and PGE2 outputs, was significantly higher in hypertensive compared to normotensive, male rats.