Role of Prostaglandins in Adrenal Steroidogenesis*

Abstract

Using an in vitro rat glomerulosa and fasciculata cell preparation, the role of prostaglandins (PG) as potential mediators of angiotensin II-, ACTH- and K-induced adrenal steroidogenesis was studied. The glomerulosa cells primarily produced prostacyclin under basal and stimulated conditions, while the fasciculata cells primarily produce PGF2.alpha.. Using 6-keto-PGF1.alpha. (the stable hydrolysis product of prostacyclin) and PGF2.alpha. as indices of PG production in glomerulosa and fasciculata cells, respectively, no significant changes in PG during angiotensin II-, ACTH- or K-induced steroidogenesis were noted. Pretreatment with indomethacin significantly (P < 0.01) inhibited PG production, but did not alter adrenal steroidogenesis. The administration of exogenous PG did not affect steroidogenesis. PG do not mediate steroidogenesis from rat glomerulosa or fasciculata cells.