THE B-2 RECEPTOR ON CULTURED HUMAN DECIDUA CELLS - RELEASE OF ARACHIDONIC-ACID BY BRADYKININ

In vitro studies on cultured human decidual cells present evidence for the expression of the bradykinin B-2 receptor. This protein was local ized by immunocytochemical methods at the cellular plasma membrane and the mRNA was found in cellular extracts by RT-PCR. As a biological ef fect the release of C-14-AA was observed. Cells that had been incubate d for 24 h with C-14-AA showed a bradykinin (BK)-induced release of ra dioactivity into the culture medium. This response was prevented by th e specific bradykinin B-2 receptor antagonist HOE 140. Pretreatment wi th LPS resulted in an increase of the spontaneous release of radioacti vity. Adding BK, a further release of about 40-50% was to be shown. We conclude that BK can play a role in the case of bacterial infection o f the fetal membranes AND may stimulate labour by an augmented product ion of prostaglandins.