Metabolism of arachidonic acid in inflamed human gingivae. I.: Formation of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha.

Incubation of [14C]-arachidonic acid with slices of inflamed human gingivae in the absence of glutathione resulted in formation of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, the stable hydrolytic product of prostacyclin. Significantly smaller amounts of this product were obtained when normal gingivae were treated in a similar manner. The formation of prostacyclin in inflamed gingivae may play an important role in alveolar bone resorption and as a mediator of inflammation in periodontal disease.