Spontaneous and evoked release of prostaglandins from frog spinal cord

Abstract

Perfusates of frog spinal cord contain substances with chemical, chromatographic, and pharmacological properties consistent with their identification as a mixture of prostaglandins E1 and F1[alpha]; increased release of prostaglandins occurred following stimulation of the hindlimbs, or addition of serotonin, dopa, or tranylcypromine (5 [mu]g/ml) to the perfusing fluid. At least 4 other smooth-muscle-stimulating substances were also detected in perfusates, including acetylcholine, serotonin, a polypeptide, and an unknown material. An evoked release of acetylcholine as well as prostaglandin occurred on electrical stimulation. It was concluded that prostaglandin release may be associated with prior release of biogenic amines.