Prostaglandin-mediated effects on growth and markers of biochemical development in the rat.

Several markers of growth and biochemical development in the rat were studied after administration of prostacyclin (PGI2) and 16, 16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (16, 16DM PGE2). Intermittent administration of PGI2 for 3 days to 10- and 19-day-old animals, with subsequent sacrifice at 14 and 23 days, resulted in significant dose related decreases in growth at 23 days. Total sucrase and maltase (glucoamylase) activities were elevated compared to controls at 14 days. Total activities of these enzymes were decreased in postweaned 23-day-old animals, but specific activities per mg intestinal protein were not significantly different. 16, 16DM PGE2 administered continuously between day 10-16 of life caused alterations in growth as well as increases in sucrase and maltase (glucoamylase) activities. Exogenously administered prostaglandins, therefore, are associated with altered growth and markers of biochemical development in the rat.