Role of leukocyte influx in tissue prostaglandin H synthase-2 overexpression induced by phorbol ester and arachidonic acid in skin

Abstract

The accumulation of neutrophils and mononuclear cells is a characteristic feature of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear edema. This cell influx was accompanied by the enhancement of eicosanoid tissue levels and prostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGHS-2) overexpression. Sialidase treatment, which affects the structure of selectins and inhibits leukocyte influx, significantly reduced eicosanoid and PGHS-2 levels and edema. In contrast, skin PGHS-2 overexpression induced by arachidonic acid (AA) application was not affected by sialidase treatment. These results suggest that PGHS-2 overexpression induced by TPA could be induced by AA and/or AA metabolite release by leukocyte infiltrated during the inflammatory process.