Prostaglandin E2 of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Mucosal specimens obtained from the upper aerodigestive tract of 101 patients were assayed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Prostaglandin was detected in all specimens evaluated. Children and nonsmoking adults demonstrated lower concentrations of PGE2 than smoking adults. Tumor specimens from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract demonstrated significantly increased levels of PGE2 (p less than .05). Normal mucosa obtained from patients with squamous carcinoma elsewhere in their upper aerodigestive tract was found to contain significantly more PGE2 than that from adults without tumors (p less than .05). The amount of PGE2 released from a tissue biopsy was not related to the amount of mononuclear cell infiltrate. No age-related trends in PGE2 levels were noted. Prostaglandin levels were higher in patients with advanced tumors in comparison to smaller tumors. The possible impact of elevated levels of PGE2 upon the immune system, the subsequent development of second primary carcinomas, and the relationship between PGE2 and the use of tobacco products is discussed.