Bradykinin-stimulated prostaglandin E2 production by endothelial cells and its modulation by antiinflammatory compounds.

Prostaglandin production was studied in cultures of pig aorta endothelial cells using radioimmunoassay, radiochromatography, and smooth muscle bioassay. PGE2 was produced in higher concentrations than other prostaglandins. Bradykinin produced a rapid dose-related stimulation of PGE2 production. These results provided the basis for establishment of a simplified test system for investigating new compounds which alter prostaglandin synthesis and might therefore affect inflammatory response. It was also observed that these endothelial cells do not metabolize prostaglandins via 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase.