Effect of nerve stimulation on prostaglandin formation and release from the rat stomach

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Abstract
Prostaglandins of E and F [PGE2 and PGF2[alpha]] types were found to be present in the rat stomach and to be released spontaneously in vitro. Cholinergic but not adrenergic nerve stimulation increased significantly the release of prostaglandins and the increase was dependent on the rate of stimulation. Hyoscine completely abolished the effect of parasympathetic nerve stimulation. Denervated preparations were still able to form and release prostaglandins. Anoxia inhibited but ascorbic acid increased the release rate of prostaglandins. Chromatographic characterization and quantification of the individual prostaglandins both in perfusates and perfused tissue showed that PGE2 and PGF2[alpha] are the major prostaglandins formed.and released during nerve stimulation. It is postulated that acetylcholine accelerates prostaglandin formation from precursors bound to membrane phos-pholipids by acting on the smooth muscle membrane. Prostaglandins may function as a link in excitation-contraction coupling processes in smooth muscle.