Effect of prostaglandins E 1 , E 2 and A 2 on vascular resistance and responses to noradrenaline, nerve stimulation and angiotensin in the dog hindlimb.

1. The relationship between the vasodilator and inhibitory effects of prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)), E(2) and A(2) on responses to nerve stimulation, noradrenaline and angiotensin was evaluated in the dog hindlimb preparation.2. PGE(1) and PGE(2) were equipotent as vasodilators in the hindlimb; however, PGE(1) was much more potent as an inhibitor of vasoconstrictor responses to nerve stimulation, noradrenaline and angiotensin.3. PGA(2) and PGE(2) were approximately equal as inhibitors of vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline, nerve stimulation and angiotensin; however, PGE(2) was far more potent as a vasodilator.4. Since there is no relationship between the vasodilator and inhibitory effects of PGE(1), E(2) and A(2), and since the inhibitory effect of PGA(2) was present at a time when hindlimb perfusion pressure had returned to control value, it is concluded that the inhibitory action is probably not the result of a physiological antagonism.5. Since each prostaglandin inhibited responses to nerve stimulation and noradrenaline to approximately the same extent and responses to angiotensin were also inhibited, it is suggested that these agents antagonize vasoconstrictor responses by a nonspecific depressant effect on smooth muscle cells.