Conversions of prostaglandin endoperoxides by prostacyclin synthase from pig aorta.

Partially purified prostacyclin synthase from pig aorta converted the prostaglandin (PG) endoperoxide PGH2 to prostacyclin (PGI2), and PGH1 to 12-hydroxy-8,10-heptadecadienoic acid (HHD). Both reactions were inhibited by 15-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HP) in a dose-dependent rashion. However, the reactions PGH2 leads to PGI2 and PGH1 leads to HHD appeared to differ: substrate availability was rate limiting in the latter reaction, while the enzyme became rapidly saturated witth PGH2 and a steady rate of prostacyclin formation was observed at higher substrate levels.

Biosynthesis of prostaglandin F2alpha from arachidonic acid and prostaglandin endoperoxides in the uterus.

Formation of prostaglandin F2Alpha in the cow and guinea pig uterus microsomes was studied using 14C-labeled arachidonic acid and prostaglandin H2. The total conversion of arachidonic acid was of a low order and underwent fluctuations during the estrous cycle of the guinea pig, being highest towards the end of the cycle. Injections of beta-estradiol-3-benzoate also resulted in higher activity of the uterine prostaglandin synthetase.

Co-oxygenation of organic substrates by the prostaglandin synthetase of sheep vesicular gland.

The microsomal fraction of sheep vesicular glands has been found to oxygenate 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran, luminol, and the carcinogenic hydrocarbon benzopyrene when incubated with arachidonic acid. The oxygenations demonstrate an absolute dependence on enzyme and fatty acid and can be completely inhibited by indomethacin and 2,3-dimercaproptopanol, inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetase. The oxygenations can also be stimulated by the hydroperoxy endoperoxide, prostaglandin G2, and 15-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid.