Gender affects macrophage cytokine and prostaglandin E2 production and PGE2 receptor expression after trauma.

Background: Gender influences morbidity and mortality after injury. Hormonal differences are important; however, the role of prostaglandins as mediators in immune dysfunction relating to gender differences after trauma is unclear. We hypothesized that gender-dependent differences in PGE(2) receptor expression and signaling may be involved in immune-related differences.