Subtotal nephrectomy stimulates cyclooxygenase 2 expression and prostacyclin synthesis in the rat remnant kidney.

Background: Recently, two isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX) have been identified, a constitutive form (COX-1) and a mitogen-inducible form (COX-2). Several studies have suggested that COX is activated in renal insufficiency, but little is known about the relationship between progression of renal insufficiency and the COX isoforms.

Methods: Five-sixths-nephrectomized (NX) rats were used.