INDOMETHACIN‐INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN CORTICOSTEROID AND PROSTAGLANDIN RELEASE BY ISOLATED ADRENOCORTICAL CELLS OF THE CAT

Abstract

1 The effects of purported prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors on steroid and prostaglandin (E and F) release from trypsin-dispersed cat adrenocortical cells were investigated. 2 Low indomethacin concentrations potentiated adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH)-evoked prostaglandin and steroid release, whereas higher concentrations depressed both responses to ACTH. The steroidogenic response to exogenous prostaglandin E₂ was not markedly altered over a wide range of indomethacin concentrations. 3 Indomethacin enhanced basal steroid release but did not enhance basal prostaglandin E or F release. 4 5, 8, 11, 14-Eicosatetraynoic acid (ETA) elicited a concentration-dependent inhibition of ACTH-induced steroid release, but had little effect on prostaglandin E₂-induced steroid release. A high concentration of ETA inhibited prostaglandin E and F release. 5 These data are discussed in relation to the concept that prostaglandins provide a critical link in ACTH-induced corticosteroidogenesis.