title: Azathioprine's inhibitory effect on prostaglandin E2 production is not via cyclooxygenase inhibition.
abstract: Azathioprine, a widely used antimetabolite, is also known for its anti-inflammatory action in rheumatic disorders and in uveitis, an inflammation of the eye, both of which are associated with increased production of prostaglandin E2. Recently we demonstrated that prostaglandin E2 production by rabbit retina/choroid was inhibited by azathioprine and suggested that this inhibitory effect may underlie the drug's antiinflammatory action. In the present study we showed that azathioprine's inhibition of prostaglandin E2 synthesis by the rat retina/choroid was reversed by addition of arachidonic acid, indicating that inhibition occurred through lack of availability of arachidonic acid, similar to the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of the steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on prostaglandin E2. This study rules out the possibility that azathioprine's suppressive activity is via inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway.
authors.affiliation: Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Naveh
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weissman
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Dottan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002829:Choroid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D015232:Dinoprostone; D001379:Azathioprine