Effect of glucocorticoid administration early in life on aortic prostaglandin synthesis and morphology in atherosclerosis-susceptible pigeons.

Effect of dexamethasone administration on aortic morphology, cholesterol content and synthesis of prostaglandins from (14C)-arachidonic acid in aorta of spontaneously atherosclerosis susceptible pigeons was examined. Dexamethasone markedly inhibited the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and stimulated the synthesis of prostaglandin I2 in aorta. In aorta of glucocortocoid treated animals, endothelial abnormalities noted in control birds were decreased and numerous surface protrusions or 'microvilli' were noted. The possibility that glucocorticoid induced inhibition of PGE2 synthesis in pigeon aorta may contribute to improved aortic morphology is discussed.