CHARACTERIZATION OF THE EP-RECEPTOR MEDIATING DILATATION AND POTENTIATION OF INFLAMMATION IN RABBIT SKIN

The interactions of bradykinin (BK) and FMLP (a leukocyte-dependent me diator of inflammation) with thirteen prostaglandin E analogs have bee n investigated in a rabbit skin model of inflammation. The PGE analogs were chosen with a view to defining the EP-receptor subtypes involved . Five analogs, PGE(2), misoprostol, 16,16-dimethyl PGE(2), nocloprost , and enisoprost, were potent vasodilators (Xe-133 clearance method) a nd potent potentiators of both BK and FMLP exudation ([I-125]albumin m ethod). A further four analogs, butaprost, 11-deoxy PGE(1), mexiprosti l, and AH 13205, were weaker vasodilators and weaker potentiators of e xudation. The remaining four analogs, 11-deoxy PGE(2)-1-alcohol, MB 28 767, sulprostone, and GR 63779X did not induce vasodilatation and did not potentiate FMLP exudation. However, the latter three prostanoids ( which are all potent and moderately selective EP, agonists) produced a modest potentiation of BK exudation at low doses (1 and 10 ng), with no greater effect at higher doses (100 and 1000 ng). Statistical corre lation of vasodilator responses with potentiation of FMLP exudation re sponses was highly significant. A similar correlation for vasodilation /BK exudation, although statistically significant, was not as convinci ng. The analyses suggested that vasodilatation is a major mechanism of PGE-induced potentiation of plasma exudation and that an EP(2)-recept or subtype is involved. However, the possibility of a second non-dilat or mechanism could not be ruled out.