[The effects of prostaglandin E1 on the release of beta-glucuronidase in leukocyte and granulocyte elastase in patients for major abdominal surgery].

We have studied the effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on the release of lysosomal enzymes such as beta-glucuronidase in leukocyte (beta-GL) and granulocyte elastase (GEL) in 52 patients for major abdominal surgery. All patients were divided into two groups; the PG group (24 patients) and the control group (28 patients). The patients of the PG group received PGE1 continuously at the rate of 0.03 to 0.1 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 during surgery. Plasma levels of GEL and beta-GL, which are known to be the indicators of tissue destruction, were measured during and after surgery. The GEL/granulocyte ratio in the PG group was significantly smaller than that of the control group during surgery. The rate of change of beta-GL was significantly depressed in the PG group compared to that of the control group. These findings suggest that the administration of PGE1 during major abdominal surgery inhibits the release of lysosomal enzymes, and this prevents tissue injury during and after surgery.