Biosynthesis of prostaglandins in human allergic contact dermatitis.

The biosynthesis of prostaglandins by human inflamed skin was studied in 5 patients with allergic contact dermatitis induced by patch tests. Inflamed skin from these patients evidenced an increased ability to synthesize prostaglandins. In the presence of exogenous arachidonic acid in the incubation medium, the activity formed was about 60% greater in inflamed skin than in noninflamed control skin. In prostaglandin E1-equivalents the concentration amounted to 9.19 +/- 2.02 ng/mg protein nitrogen and 5.74 +/- 1.97 ng/mg protein nitrogen, respectively (mean values +/- S.E.). When inflamed skin was incubated without excess of exogenous precursor acids in the incubation medium the activity formed was about 130 times lower and the values were similar to those of non-inflamed skin. Thus, the present results support the view that the prostaglandin system is activated in allergic contact dermatitis, thereby providing a basis for future therapeutic attempts to control this disorder.