Effect of exogenous calcium ions on prostaglandin output from rat hepatic tissue slices

This vitro study was an attempt to study the possible role of Ca[++] ions on metabolism of prostaglandins in hepatic tissue of albino rats. Addition of calcium ions in the form of calcium gluconate 10% ampule in a dose of 29 ug/gm wet tissues to the Kreb's Ringer phosphate media cause a high significant increasre in PGE[2] output from hepatic tissue slices. This is associated with a significant decrease in PGF[2]. These fingings may give an additional information of the possible role of Ca[++] ions on catabolism of prostaglandins. From the present study, it is concluded that addition of extracellular Ca[++] ions to the incubation media resulted in increase PGE2 synthesis and efflux with decrease PGE2 synthesis and efflux from hepatioc tissue of albino rats. The effect of Ca[++] ions on prostaglandins synthesis and release must be put in mind on using drugs which alter PG synthesis, efflux or both. An example of these drugs are calcium channel blockers, beta adrenergic receptor stimulator as well as alpha adrenergic receptor stimulator, which are commonly used in the treatment of many cardiovascular diseases. Their use must be put under observation to avoid undesirable effects as a result of increase or decrease prostaglandins formation