Hepatic stellate cell contraction is inhibited by lipo-prostaglandin E1 in vitro

J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1998 Sep:13 Suppl:S14-8.

Abstract

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has been reported to have, experimentally and clinically, a protective effect against liver damage. This effect may result from the relaxation of hepatic stellate cells, whose contraction induces vasoconstriction of hepatic sinusoids. However, prostaglandins are unstable and a new drug delivery system is necessary to administer a sufficient amount of prostaglandin to achieve a protective effect in the liver. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of lipo-prostaglandin E1 (lipo-PGE1) which has a novel drug delivery system on the stellate cell contraction induced by endothelin-1 in vitro. Lipo-PGE1 inhibited endothelin-1-induced stellate cell contraction in concentrations of 10, 30 and 50 ng/mL. Therefore, lipo-PGE1 may show a cytoprotective effect in the liver through the relaxation of stellate cells and an increase in the hepatic sinusoidal blood flow.

MeSH terms

  • Alprostadil / metabolism
  • Alprostadil / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelin-1 / pharmacology
  • Liver / cytology*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Endothelin-1
  • Alprostadil