EFFECTS OF PROSTAGLANDINS D-2 AND E(2) ON CILIARY BEAT FREQUENCY OF HUMAN UPPER RESPIRATORY CILIA IN-VITRO

Diminished mucociliary transport can occur in a type-I (Ig-E mediated) allergic reaction. We determined the effects of the allergy mediators prostaglandin D-2 (PGD(2)) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) on the cil iary beat frequency (CBF) of human upper respiratory cilia in vitro. H uman adenoid tissue was used as the source for ciliated epithelium. CB F was measured by a computerized photo-electric method. PGD(2) (10(-8) -10(-5) M, n = 7) showed no statistically significant effect on CBF. P GE(2) (10(-9)-10(-6) M, n = 10) caused a significant dose-dependent st imulation, with a maximum of 37% (ANOVA, p < 0.001). Thus prostaglandi ns D, and E, do not exert a direct negative influence on ciliary activ ity, which could account for a decrease in mucociliary transport. The stimulating effect of PGE, may be relevant in promoting mucociliary cl earance in vivo.