Cyclic AMP regulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis in fat cells

Abstract A prostaglandin generating system has been demonstrated in rat isolated fat cells using both a sensitive bioassay and gas chromatography combined with mass fragmentography. Accumulation of PGE 2 , but not PGE 1 or PGF 2α was stimulated by addition of norepinephrine or theophylline, agents which cause elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP in fat cells, and by addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Biosynthesis of PG was blocked by indomethacin. Arachidonic acid, the precursor for PGE biosynthesis, was found in high concentrations in fat cell phospholipids. The significance of these findings with reference to a negative feedback regulation of hormone activity is discussed.