Initiation of cell proliferation in cultured mouse fibroblasts by prostaglandin F2alpha.

Abstract
Prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha added to quiescent Swiss mouse 3T3 cell cultures initiates DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in a small proportion of the cells. Insulin, which markedly potentiates the effect of PGF2alpha on the initiation of cell division when added with PGF2alpha, causes a simultaneous reduction in intracellular cyclic AMP and an increase in cyclic GMP concentrations similar to those observed after serum addition. Prostaglandins E1 and E2 are less effective than PGF2alpha in initiating DNA synthesis and this effect is only observed at higher concentrations. Therefore, some prostaglandins can act as extracellular factors to regulate cell proliferation.