REGULATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN SECRETION AND PROLIFERATION OF BOVINE ENDOMETRIAL STROMAL CELLS BY PLATELET-ACTIVATING-FACTOR

Experiments were performed to evaluate the potential importance of pla telet-activating factor (PAF) in regulation of prostaglandin secretion and proliferation of stromal cells obtained from the endometrium of c ows at days 14-17 after estrus. Results indicate that PAF can differen tially regulate the secretion of prostaglandins by these cells. In par ticular, PAF increased secretion of PGE(2) without affecting secretion of PGF(2 alpha). There was a slight stimulatory effect of PAF on the proliferation of stromal cells. It is concluded that PAF can both incr ease secretion of PGE(2) from endometrial stromal cells and stimulate their growth. The actions of PAF on prostaglandin secretion could pote ntially be important for conceptus and endometrial function because of the roles of PGE(2) in luteal function, inhibition of lymphocyte prol iferation, and vasodilation.