A study of the synthesis and inactivation of prostaglandin E by pig nasal mucosa.

Prostaglandins of the E series have been shown to be more potent than adrenaline as nasal decongestants. We now present evidence that prostaglandins of the E series (PGE) can be synthesised and inactivated by the nasal mucosa of the pig. This study demonstrates that PGE may be formed by pieces of pig nasal mucosa in vitro and that PGE formation by the nasal mucosa is inhibited by indomethacin. The nasal mucosa was also shown to contain 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity and this enzyme is involved in the inactivation of PGE. The findings of this study may help towards a better understanding of the role of PGE in nasal physiology and nasal disease.