THE METABOLISM OF ARACHIDONIC-ACID TO PROSTAGLANDIN-E2 IN PLEROCERCOIDS OF SPIROMETRA-ERINACEI

With a simplified method of extracting and purifying prostaglandins, t race prostaglandins (nanogram order) were detected by gas chromatograp hy-mass spectrometry. Arachidonic acid was metabolized to prostaglandi n E2 (PGE2) by plerocercoids of Spirometra erinacei, the PGE2 was dete cted in the medium after incubation with arachidonic acid, and the rol e of albumin in the absorption of free arachidonic acid by plerocercoi ds and in the release of its metabolite was investigated. Plerocercoid s absorbed arachidonic acid-binding albumin and released PGE2 efficien tly. PGE2 is known to suppress the functions of mononuclear cells of t he host. The selective release of PGE2 may be related to the escape me chanism of plerocercoids of S. erinacei from the host immune system to become established larva migrans, i.e., sparganosis.