Prostaglandin E 2: Biosynthesis and effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in rat skin

Abstract

The biosynthesis of prostaglandins from [1-14C] arachidonic acid by homogenates of rat skin was investigated. PGE2 was identified as a major product by silicic acid chromatography, two reverse phase partition chromatographic systems, and by thin layer chromatography. Two minor products were also detected, one of which had chromatographic mobilities similar to PGF2α. The stimulatory effects of PGE2 on the production of CO2 and lipids from differentially labeled glucose by rat skin and human skin were demonstrated in vitro. Data from experiments with [1-14C] glucose and [6-14C] glucose indicated that PGE2, like, insulin, stimulated both the pentose cycle and the glycolytic pathway of glucose metabolism in the skin. Although the effects of PGE2 on glucose metabolism are similar to those of insulin, the maximum degree of stimulation caused by PGE2 was less than that by insulin.