Prostaglandins attenuate cardiac contractile dysfunction produced by free radical generation but not by hydrogen peroxide.

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the potential influence of cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase derived metabolites of arachidonic acid on myocardial injury produced either by a free radical generating system consisting of purine plus xanthine oxidase or that produced by hydrogen peroxide. A free radical generating system consisting of purine (2.3 mM) and xanthine oxidase (10 U/L) as well as hydrogen peroxide (75 microM) produced significant functional changes in the absence of either significant deficits in high energy phosphates or ultrastructural damage. Prostaglandin F2 alpha (30 nM) significantly attenuated both the negative inotropic effect of purine plus xanthine oxidase as well as the ability of the free radical generator to elevate diastolic pressure. An identical concentration of prostaglandin 12 (prostacyclin) significantly reduced diastolic pressure elevation only and had no effect on contractile depression. The salutary effects of the two PGs occurred in the absence of any inhibitory influence on superoxide anion generation produced by the purine and xanthine oxidase reaction. None of prostaglandins modulated the response to hydrogen peroxide. In addition, neither prostaglandin E2 nor leukotrienes exerted any effect on changes produced by either type of oxidative stress. A 5 fold elevation in the concentrations of free radical generators or hydrogen peroxide produced extensive injury as characterized by a virtual total loss in contractility, 400% elevation in diastolic pressure, ultrastructural damage and significant depletions in high energy phosphate content. None of these effects were modulated by eicosanoid treatment. Our results therefore demonstrate a selective ability of both prostaglandin F2 alpha and to a lesser extent prostacyclin, to attenuate dysfunction produced by purine plus xanthine oxidase but not hydrogen peroxide. It is possible that these eicosanoids may represent endogenous protective factors under conditions of enhanced oxidative stress associated with superoxide anion generation.