The effect of prostaglandin E1 on central cholinergic mechanisms.

The influence of PGE1 and its precursor dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid on the central action of acetylcholine was studied. PGE, and dikomo-gamma-linolenic acid increased the depressive action of acetylcholine as evaluated with Lat's and thiopental sleeping time tests. PGE1 and its precursor diminished or eliminated the influence of acetylcholine on pentetrazol convulsions. Endogenous acetylcholine in excess inhibited hyperthermic effect of PGE1. The results show that PGE1 and its precursor may change the action of acetylcholine in the central nervous system.