Regulation of the proliferation of primary rat hepatocytes by eicosanoids

Abstract
DNA synthesis in primary adult rat hepatocyte cultures was promoted by epidermal growth factor (EGF), arachidonic acid, and prostaglandins E2 and F (PGE2 and PGF). Growth promotion by EGF was blocked by 0.1 mM indomethacin and 1 mM aspirin, without affecting cell viability. If verapamil was present in the medium when EGF was added, the growth response was inhibited. Hepatocytes stimulated by EGF or arachidonic acid released PGE2 and PGF into the culture medium. This was diminished if 0.1 mM indomethacin was also in the medium. The importance of autocrine regulation of hepatocyte growth by prostaglandins is discussed.

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