BRONCHOPROTECTIVE ROLE FOR ENDOGENOUS PROSTAGLANDIN E(2)

The possibility that impaired production of bronchoprotective factors contributes to the pathogenesis of asthma cannot be excluded. Prostagl andin E(2) (PGE(2)) could be such a factor. It is a dominant cyclo-oxy genase product of airway epithelium and smooth muscle; it has inhibito ry effects on inflammatory cells and pathways involved in bronchoconst riction at concentrations known to occur in the airway; inhalation of PGE(2) has considerable bronchoprotective effects in patients with ast hma; and manoeuvres that increase or decrease endogenous production of PGE(2) have beneficial and deleterious effects on airway function.