ABSTRACT
In this study the ability of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), Misoprostol (a stable analog of PGE1), and 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 (a stable analog of PGE2) to suppress immune responses in vitro and in vivo was determined. All of the compounds caused a titratable (10(-6) to 10(-9) M) suppression of Con A blastogenesis and the mixed lymphocyte response whereas there was only slight inhibition of the LPS response. When either 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 (30 ug/mouse) or Misoprostol (60 ug/mouse) was administered daily in vivo, there was a significant suppression of splenomegaly in F1 mice (C57Bl/6 x CBA) which had been injected with parental (C57Bl/6) spleen cells. We conclude that prostaglandins of the E series can function as immunosuppressive reagents both in vitro and in vivo. In the future they may serve to augment existing forms of immunosuppressive therapy.
