Effects of the prostaglandin analogue misoprostol on inflammatory mediator release by human monocytes

Abstract
The effect of misoprostol (M) on IL-1β, TNF-α, and lipid mediator release (assessed by RIA) by adherent (assessed by electron microscopy) human monocytes were studiedin vitro. Human monocytes stimulated with E. Coli-derived lipopolysaccharide showed an increase in both IL-1β and TNF-α release. Incubation of the monocytes with LPS and M (18 hrs.), resulted in a reduction of both IL-1β and TNF-α levels. Leukotriene B4 levels did not increase in response to LPS or M. LPS also caused an increase in thromboxane (TXB2).M decreased TXB2 levels. 6-keto PGF1α (6KP). Incubation with LPS and M stimulated release. LPS caused an increase in PGE2 levels. M (100 μM) caused an increase in PGE2 levels, M (1 μM) had no effect on PGE2. These data suggest a possible immunomodulatory role for misoprostol in inflammatory diseases.