THE EFFECT OF PROSTAGLANDIN E-1 ON EXPERIMENTAL COLITIS IN THE RAT

Prostaglandin E-1 (PGE(1)) is known to have a strong vasodilator effec t and to block coagulation and inflammation in high concentrations. Th e aim of this study has been to investigate whether PGE(1) has an inhi bitory effect on inflammation in experimental colitis. Experimental co litis was produced by rectal instillation of 10% acetic acid in 60 rat s. These were divided into prostaglandin (PG) (n = 30) and control gro ups (n = 30). Twelve hours later, an intraperitoneal injection of 2 mu g PGE(1) in 1 ml saline was given to the PG group and 1 ml saline to the control group. This was repeated daily and the animals were sacrif ied in groups of 10 on the 3rd, 7th and 10th day. Histopathological ex amination and hydroxyproline determination for assessment of collagen synthesis were performed. PGE(1) significantly decreased inflammation on third day with the hydroxyproline level significantly higher in the PG group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). This difference was however not significant at the 7th and 10th day. The present study supports a beneficial role for prostaglandin E-1 in reducing the seve rity of colonic inflammation following chemically induced colitis but only in the early stages of development.