Some effects of inhibiting endogenous prostaglandin formation on the responses of the cat spleen

Abstract

1 Cat isolated spleens release prostaglandins into the venous effluent in response to stimuli such as nerve stimulation, noradrenaline and angiotensin II. 2 The release of prostaglandins is abolished by pre-treatment of the spleen with indomethacin (0·3–5 μg/ml). 3 The capsular and vascular responses to the different stimuli are augmented after inhibition of prostaglandin release. 4 The prevention of prostaglandin release, as well as the augmentation of vascular and capsular responses, are reversible after indomethacin treatment is stopped. 5 The role of prostaglandins as modulators of the responses to several stimuli is discussed.