The output of uterine prostaglandins and the activity of 15-hydroxy-prostaglandin dehydrogenase are enhanced in chronic ethanol fed rats.

The generation and output of prostaglandins (PGs) E2 and F2 alpha into the solution suspending uterine segments from ethanol (ETOH)-fed diestrous rats and the activity of 15-OH-PG-dehydrogenase (PGDH) in uteri at diestrus, were explored and compared with normal-fed controls. Animals were fed with ETOH (35% of the total calories in a liquid diet) during 20 days before sacrifice. Paired normal-fed controls were given isocaloric quantities of dextrimaltose. It was observed that the uterine outputs of PGE2 and of PGF2 alpha into the suspending solution, were significantly greater in the ETOH group. On the other hand, the PGDH activity for PGE2 in control uterine tissue, was significantly smaller than the activity detected in preparations from animals fed with the chronic ETOH diet. Results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms for the action of ethanol, either on the release of PG fatty acid precursors (activation of phospholipase A2) or on the activity of PG synthesizing enzymes. Inasmuch as in the ETOH-fed group uterine PGDH activity was greater, rather than diminished, the possibility of a reduced catabolism accounting for the augmentation of PGs in the suspending medium, does not appear feasible. In fact, results suggest that the real magnitude of higher PG generation and release is even greater than that disclosed by the present study. The finding that chronic ethanol consumption augments PG production, appears relevant, in view of the unique roles played by these eicosanoids in parturition and in the development of fetuses.