In vitro prostaglandin synthesis by human glomeruli and papillae.

We have investigated in vitro prostaglandin synthesis by human isolated glomeruli and papillary homogenates and compared the results with those obtained in parallel studies using rat material. Prostaglandins were measured by two methods, namely radiometric high performance liquid chromatography after incubation with 14C arachidonic acid and radioimmunoassay. The relative abundance of various prostaglandins synthesized by glomeruli was different in man (6 keto PGF1 alpha greater than TXB2 greater than PGF2 alpha greater than PGE2) and in the rat (PGE2 greater than or equal to PGF2 alpha greater than TXB2 greater than 6 keto PGF1 alpha). Unidentified peaks eluting between 6 keto PGF1 alpha and TXB2 were observed only in rat glomeruli. These peaks were suppressed by indomethacin. Direct radioimmunoassay of prostaglandins in the incubation medium of human glomeruli confirmed the predominance of 6 keto PGF1 alpha synthesis and showed its stimulation by arachidonic acid, its progressive decrease with time and its linear relationship with glomerular protein at low concentrations. On the contrary, the profile of prostaglandin synthesis by the papilla was similar in man and in the rat, PGE2 and PGF2 alpha being the major products in both species. However, related to one mg of protein, papillary synthesis of these two prostaglandins was greater in the rat. These results show that PGI2 is the major prostaglandin synthesized in human glomeruli and suggest a role for this prostaglandin in glomerular physiology in man.