LEVELS OF EICOSANOIDS (6-OXO-PGF1" AND 8-EPI-PGF2" ) IN HUMAN AND PORCINE LYMPHATICS AND LYMPH

Abstract

Prostaglandin (PG)I2 is the primaryeicosanoid synthesized by human lymphaticsand 8-epi-PGF2", an isoprostane formedduring free radical catalyzed peroxidation,is the most potent stimulator of lymphaticcontraction tested thus far. We now examinethe respective concentrations in thelymphatic wall of both human and porcinelymphatics and lymph fluid using specificimmunoassays. Although both compoundsare detectable in the lymphatic wall andlymph fluid, PGI2- (via its main metabolite6-oxo-PGF1") is greater in the lymphaticwall whereas 8-epi-PGF2" dominates inlymph fluid. Because inflammation isassociated with oxidative injury, which inturn stimulates release of isoprostane,eicosanoid derivatives may modulatelymphatic tone during acute tissue reaction.