Prostaglandin (PG) D 2 is an arachidonic acid metabolite that is released by allergen-stimulated mast cells. It is a potent in vitro chemoattractant for human eosinophils, acting through the DP 2 receptor/chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2). Furthermore, there is in vivo evidence that PGD 2 contributes to allergen-induced pulmonary eosinophilia via its classic DP 1 receptor. The PGD 2 -derived product 15-deoxy-⌬ 12,14 -PGJ 2 is widely used as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ␥ agonist and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, this substance can also activate eosinophils in vitro through the DP 2 receptor. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether PGD 2 and 15-deoxy-⌬ 12,14 -PGJ 2 can induce pulmonary eosinophilia, and, if so, to examine the abilities of selective DP 1 and DP 2 receptor agonists to induce this response. Brown Norway rats were treated by intratracheal instillation of PGs. Vehicle and 5-oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Lung eosinophils were identified by immunostaining of lung sections with an antibody to major basic protein. Both PGD 2 and 15-deoxy-⌬ 12,14 -PGJ 2 induced robust eosinophilic responses that were apparent by 12 h and persisted for at least 48 h. Two selective DP 2 receptor agonists, 15R-methyl-PGD 2 and 13-14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD 2 , induced similar responses, the former being more potent than PGD 2 , whereas the latter was less potent. The selective DP 1 receptor agonist BW245C [(4S)-(3-[(3R,S)-3-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxypropyl]-2,5-dioxo)-4-imidazolidineheptanoic acid] was completely inactive. We conclude that PGD 2 and 15-deoxy-⌬ 12,14 -PGJ 2 induce eosinophil infiltration into the lungs through the DP 2 receptor. The potent in vitro DP 2 receptor agonist 15R-methyl-PGD 2 is also very active in vivo and should be a useful tool in examining the role of this receptor.Prostaglandin (PG) D 2 is a metabolite of arachidonic acid that is formed by the action of PGD synthase on the cyclooxygenase product PGH 2 . There are two enzymes that catalyze this reaction: lipocalin-type PGD synthase, which is found in the central nervous system and hematopoietic PGD synthase, which is present in antigen-presenting cells, mast cells (Urade and Hayaishi, 2000), and Th2 cells . The association of PGD 2 with mast cells has focused attention on its possible role in asthma and other allergic diseases. High levels of this prostaglandin are rapidly released into the airways after allergen challenge of asthmatic human subjects (Murray et al., 1986).The recent finding by Narumiya's group that disruption of the classic G s -coupled (DP 1 ) receptor for PGD 2 protects mice against asthma-like responses after antigen challenge (Matsuoka et al., 2000) has provoked considerable interest in the role of PGD 2 in this disease. Mice lacking this receptor exhibit reduced pulmonary eosinophilia, hyperresponsiveness, and Th2 cytokine levels in response to antigen...