Release of arachidonate cascade products by the rabbit bladder; neurophysiological significance?

The endogenous production of prostaglandins and thromboxane A2 by the rabbit urinary bladder was assessed by radioimmunoassay in a relatively intact system and in the absence of substrate. PGE2 and PGI2 (prostacyclin) were the main prostaglandins released whereas PGF2 alpha ratio of 5:1 and a PGI2 to PGF2 alpha ratio of 3:1 were observed. This qualitative pattern was independent of bladder area. In addition, prostaglandin release by the bladder body was significantly greater than by the bladder base at all incubation times. The physiological implications of these experimental observations are discussed.