Biosynthesis and Metabolism of Prostaglandin E2in Human Skin

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Abstract
The occurrence, biosynthesis, and metabolism of prostaglandins were studied in homogenates of excised human skin. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was identified as the major prostaglandin by chromatographic procedures, enzymatic analysis, and mass spectrometry. Arachidonic acid was the major C20 acid esterified to the phospholipid fraction. The content of PGE2 in skin homogenates was 0–35 ng/g (mean value 15 ng/g, n=7). Upon incubation at 37°C the levels rose to 250–300 ng/g in 40 min. Incubation with 3H-labelled arachidonic acid gave a 2% conversion into 3H-PGE2 in 20 min. 3H-PGE2 was converted to 11α-hydroxy-9,15-diketoprost-5-enoic acid in a 70% yield by enzymes in a skin homogenate. The results show that the endogenous normal values of prostaglandins in human skin are low, but that efficient enzyme systems are available for both their formation and their metabolism.

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