Prostaglandin E-mediated mitogenic stimulation of mouse epidermis in vivo by divalent cation ionophore A 23187 and by tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.

When applied to mouse skin in vivo, both the strong tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) (2 nmol) and the divalent cation ionophore A 23187 (200 nmol) caused the same responses, i.e., skin inflammation and prostaglandin E2-mediated epidermal hyperplasia. In both cases, these events were accompanied by certain biochemical reactions in the epidermis such as an increase in the biosynthesis of and sensitivity to prostaglandin E2, increase in ornithine decarboxylase and phosphodiesterase activities, and refractoriness of cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate production to beta-adrenergic stimulation. In contrast to A 23187, TPA did not induce degranulation of mast cells; whereas, in contrast with TPA, A 23187 did not show tumor-promoting activity. These results indicate that the observed biological effects of TPA are no indication of tumor-promoting ability and that, on the other hand, the mitogenic effects of A 23187 are possibly not due to its properties as a calcium ionophore.