SPONTANEOUS FORMATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN IN ISOLATED FROG INTESTINE

The release of prostaglandin from isolated gastro-intestinal tracts of frogs (Rana esculenta) was estimated, and was compared with the prostaglandin content of the tissue. During one hour the intestinal tract liberates about 4 times as much prostaglandin into the surrounding bath fluid as is contained in the tissue, i.e. there is a formation de novo during the incubation. The formation of prostaglandin is increased by immersing the intestine into distilled water instead of Ringer's solution, it is inhibited by cocaine. This indicates that the biosynthesis of prostaglandin is variable and can be enhanced by stimuli from the intramural nervous system. © 1968 Springer-Verlag.