Production of prostaglandins I2, E2 and F2α by blood vessels of normotensive and hypertensive, male and female rats

Prostaglandin (PG) I 2 (mesured as 6-keto-PGF 1α ) was the major PG synthesized by aortic homogenates from normotensive and hypertensive male rats, with lesser quantities of PGF 2α and PGE 2 . Homogenates of vena cave from the same rats synthesized PGI 2 and PGE 2 in similar quantities. PGF 2α synthesis by aortic homogenates was significantly higher in hypertensive than in normotensive male rats. A similar trend was seen in PGF 2α synthesis by homogenates of the vena cava. Separation of the aorta of normotensive and hypertensive, male rats showed that PGI 2 was the major PG synthesized by endothelial cells and smooth muscle, and that PGF 2α was the major PG synthesized by adventia. PGI 2 synthesis by smooth muscle and PGE 2 synthesis by endothelial cells were lower, and PGF 2α synthesis by endothelial cells and smooth muscle were higher in hypertensive than in normotensive, male rats. PGI 2 was the major PG released from the aorta of normotensive and hypertensive male rats, together with lesser quantities of PGE 2 and PGF 2α . Aortic PGF 2α output, but not PGI 2 and PGE 2 outputs, was significantly higher in hypertensive compared to normotensive, male rats.