Characterization of prostaglandin production in tissue culture of rat renal medullary cells.

Renal medullary cells from the rat were used to establish a cell culture line. The morphologic characteristics of these cells were similar to renal medullary interstitial cells. They produced substantial amounts of PGE when provided with arachidonic acid or fetal calf serum. PGE production was inhibited 80-90% by indomethacin or meclofenamate. PGE release by the cells was sensitive to and stimulated by changing the culture media. Stable levels of PGE in the media could be achieved if media changes were avoided during the experimental period.