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Effect of radiation on prostacyclin (PGI2) production by cultured endothelial cells

Journal Article · · Prostaglandins; (United States)
OSTI ID:6905702

The effect of ionizing irradiation on the synthesis of prostacyclin (PGI2) by cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells was determined. PGI2 was measured in the culture medium by a radioimmunoassay for 6-Keto PGF1 alpha. Two phenomena were observed following irradiation: a) Cells which suffered an immediate radiation damage (1000-5000 rads) released high quantities of PGI2 to the culture medium. This was due to a de novo synthesis of PGI2 stimulated by radiation induced cellular damage, since pretreatment with aspirin of the endothelial cell monolayers resulted in a marked inhibition of PGI2 release following irradiation. b) Metabolically active cells which remained confluent and firmly attached to the culture dish following single, low and intermediate doses (200-1200 rads) radiation, exhibited a marked decrease in their capacity to synthesize PGI2 upon exposure to various stimuli of the arachidonic acid cascade. Similar results were observed with cells treated with fractionated radiation. The quantities of PGI2 produced by the endothelial cells decreased as a function of the dose of radiation and time interval between irradiation and subsequent stimulation. The effect of radiation on PGI2 production by the vascular endothelium may be relevant to the development of radiation induced capillary occlusions, and the enhancement of atherosclerotic lesions in large vessels.

Research Organization:
Hadassah Univ. Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
OSTI ID:
6905702
Journal Information:
Prostaglandins; (United States), Journal Name: Prostaglandins; (United States) Vol. 25:2; ISSN PRGLB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English