Synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by rabbit bladder was examined. PGE2 synthesis was assessed by thin-layer chromatographic analysis after conversion of [14C]-arachidonic acid to [14C]PGE2 or by a specific radioimmunoassay technique. Intact bladder and microsomes prepared from the bladder transitional epithelium (mucosal) layer and the outer vesicular layer demonstrated synthesis of PGE2. PGE2 synthesis was increased by arachidonic acid and blocked by indomethacin. When the inside medium (bathing the transitional epithelium) contained [14C]arachidonic acid, no detectable radioactivity was observed in the outside medium (bathing the outer layer). Conversely, when the outside medium contained [14C]arachidonic acid, no detectable radioactivity was observed in the inside medium. In addition, [14C]arachidonic acid was incorporated only into tissue directly exposed to bathing media containing the label. These results demonstrate that the rabbit bladder can synthesize PGE2 and that the PGE2- synthesizing systems of the transitional epithelium and outer layer of bladder may be distinct.
