Prostaglandin E2 production by human tumors. Defense mechanism against the host? A preliminary report.
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.
D015232:Dinoprostone; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011458:Prostaglandins E / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D011458:Prostaglandins E; D015232:Dinoprostone