Prostaglandin E2 production by human tumors. Defense mechanism against the host? A preliminary report
Attallah, A.; Lee, J.B.; Ambrus, J.L.; Ambrus, C.M.; Karakousis, C.; Takita, H.
Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology 43(2): 195-201
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-5164 PMID: 6584944 Document Number: 223570
Immunoreactive PGE2 was determined in 11 surgically removed malignant tumors. When compared to adjacent non-malignant tissues PGE2 content was significantly higher in the neoplastic tissues. These findings support the view that PG may play a role in cell proliferation and/or vascular supply to tumor tissues. The hypothesis was also discussed that PGE2 may represent a tumor against host defense since it can decrease spontaneous and antibody dependent cytotoxicity. PGE2 may also play a role in tumor induced osteoporosis and hypercalcemia. If this hypothesis is correct PGE2 synthesis inhibitors may be employed as auxiliary antitumor agents.