Bradykinin and prostaglandin E1, E2 and F2alpha-induced macromolecular leakage in the hamster cheek pouch.

The hamster cheek pouch prepared for intravital observations on macromolecular permeability with fluorescein labelled dextran was used in four series of 5 hamsters each, all pretreated with indomethacin. Bradykinin, PGE1, PGE2 and PGF2alpha increased macromolecular leakage at postcapillary venules, and this leakage was reversible on removal of agent. A linear relation was found between the logarithmic value of dose of bradykinin and the mean number of leakage sites. No tachyphylaxis to bradykinin was seen. The effect of either PGE1, PGE2 or PGF2alpha applied simultaneously with bradykinin was to significantly (p less than 0.05) potentiate the bradykinin response. Bradykinin and these prostaglandins appeared to have the same site of action for their effect of increasing permeability, e.g. the postcapillary venule.