Prostaglandin E2-induced sensitization of the heat response of canine visceral polymodal receptors in vitro.

The sensitizing effect of prostaglandin (PG) E2 on the heat response of testicular polymodal receptors was studied in vitro by recording single polymodal receptor activities from the testis-spermatic nerve preparations excised from deeply anesthetized dogs. PG E2 at 10(-7) M had no significant influence on the heat response. PG E2 at 10(-6) and 10(-5) M did not induce substantial increases in discharge rates, yet it significantly augmented the heat response. The concentration necessary for augmenting the heat response is thus 100 times greater than that (10(-8) M) previously reported for bradykinin [Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Arch. Pharmacol., 344 (1991) 368-376].