Prostanoid synthesis in peripheral nerve.

The transformation of [1-14C]arachidonic acid into radiolabeled prostanoids was studied with homogenates and desheathed sciatic nerves of rats and frogs. All of the preparations studied were shown to synthesize prostaglandins; the specific prostanoids made were characterized by their migration on thin-layer chromatograms in three separate solvent systems. Both desheathed rat nerve and homogenates synthesize prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2 alpha, prostaglandin D2, 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha and thromboxane B2. With preparations from frog nerve, prostaglandin E2 was the major prostanoid product formed. Several conditions were able to modulate the production of prostaglandin E2 with desheathed frog nerve. Electrical stimulation at high frequency (100 Hz) for 30 min increased the formation of labeled prostaglandin E2. Inclusion of glutathione also affected prostaglandin E2 formation. A lower concentration (0.1 mM) stimulated prostaglandin synthesis, while 1 mM glutathione was partially inhibitory. In both the rat and frog system, prostanoid synthesis was suppressed by indomethacin and aspirin.