PRODUCTION OF PROSTANOIDS BY LEWIS RAT SCHWANN-CELLS IN-VITRO

Schwann cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflam matory diseases of peripheral nerve. They are the targets of autoimmun e attack but may also act as antigen presenting cells. Here we investi gate the possibility that Schwann cells may be able to modulate T-cell mediated immunity via prostanoid production. The results show that Le wis rat Schwann cells in vitro generate significant amounts of the pro -inflammatory and immunoregulatory mediators, prostaglandin E(2) and t hromboxane A(2) and so may influence autoimmune inflammatory reactions within the peripheral nervous system.