Prostaglandin E2 enhances, and leukotriene C4 inhibits, interleukin-1 inhibition of WEHI-3B cell growth.

Human recombinant interleukin-1 (HrIL-1) inhibited WEHI-3B cell growth in a dose-related manner (10-10,000 U/ml). Prostaglandin E2 at high concentrations (1000 ng/ml) also inhibited cell growth. When added together, HrIL-1 and prostaglandin E2 inhibited WEHI-3B growth in a synergistic manner (HrIL-1 concentrations of 10-10,000 U/ml and prostaglandin E2 concentrations of 10-1000 ng/ml). In contrast to the effects of the cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid leukotriene C4, a lipoxygenase metabolite, reversed the cytostatic action of HrIL-1.