INDOMETHACIN‐INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN CORTICOSTEROID AND PROSTAGLANDIN RELEASE BY ISOLATED ADRENOCORTICAL CELLS OF THE CAT

The effects of purported prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors on steroid and prostaglandin (E and F) release from trypsin‐dispersed cat adrenocortical cells were investigated. Low indomethacin concentrations potentiated adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH)‐evoked prostaglandin and steroid release, whereas higher concentrations depressed both responses to ACTH. The steroidogenic response to exogenous prostaglandin E₂ was not markedly altered over a wide range of indomethacin concentrations. Indomethacin enhanced basal steroid release but did not enhance basal prostaglandin E or F release. 5, 8, 11, 14‐Eicosatetraynoic acid (ETA) elicited a concentration‐dependent inhibition of ACTH‐induced steroid release, but had little effect on prostaglandin E₂‐induced steroid release. A high concentration of ETA inhibited prostaglandin E and F release. These data are discussed in relation to the concept that prostaglandins provide a critical link in ACTH‐induced corticosteroidogenesis. 1976 British Pharmacological Society