Cyclooxygenase metabolites are compartmentalized in the human lower respiratory tract.

Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Ozaki T, Rennard S, Crystal R
Journal J Appl Physiol (1985)
Volume 62
Issue 1
Pagination 219-22
Date Published 01/01/1987
ISSN 8750-7587
Keywords Arachidonic Acids, Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases, Respiratory System
Abstract Cyclooxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid are thought to play an important role in the regulation of diverse physiological functions in the lung. Although the concentration of these metabolites required to have effects is several orders of magnitude greater than the concentration of these mediators in the blood, it has been postulated that local concentrations within tissues are much higher. In a direct test of this hypothesis, the concentrations of the cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid including prostaglandin (PG) E, PGF2 alpha, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and thromboxane B2, were measured in a specialized tissue compartment, the epithelial surface of the lower respiratory tract. The concentration of these mediators within this compartment was 50- to 80-fold greater than concurrent blood levels and are sufficient to likely have physiological effects. Thus the epithelial surface of the lower respiratory tract represents a specialized compartment with high local levels of cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid.
DOI 10.1152/jappl.1987.62.1.219
PubMed ID 3104286
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