Extraction of Prostaglandins from Human Blood

Prostaglandin-like material extracted from squamous carcinomas of the head and neck

“…Weighed samples were homogenized either in Krebs' solution to estimate prostaglandin-synthesizing ability, or in acidified aqueous ethanol to determine "basal" prostaglandins (Bennett et al, 1973). Amounts synthesized from endogenous prostaglandin precursors released during homogenization were estimated by subtracting "basal" amounts from the "total" extracted from the homogenate in Krebs' solution (Unger et al, 1971). The extracted material was assayed against PGE2, using the rat gastric fundus strip preparation treated with various antagonists which increase the selectivity and sensitivity of the assay (Bennett et al, 1973).…”

“…Tentative characterization of the prostaglandin-like material extracted from 14 tumour homogenates was made by chromatography, using paper impregnated with silica gel, and the solvent system for group separation of PGE and PGF compounds (Stamford & Unger, 1972). Samples of venous blood were collected in lithium heparin tubes containing indomethacin (final concentration 10 ,tg/ml blood) and the prostaglandins extracted from the plasma (Unger et al, 1971). The assay results are expressed as ng PGE2 equivalents/g fresh tissue (median and semiquartile ranges) and analysed statistically by the Mann-Whitney U test or by Spearman's rank correlation.…”

Prostaglandins from tumours of human large bowel

“…and Bennett, 1971) and assayed against PGE2 on the rat gastric fundus strip preparation in Krebs' solution containing various antagonists to increase sensitivity and selectivity (Bennett et al, 1973), similar to the method of Gilmore, Vane and Wylie (1968). Tentative characterization of PG-like material extracted from homogenates in Krebs' solution was made, either by alkaline hydrolysis (which inactivates PGE but not PGF compounds; Bennett et al, 1973) or by chromatography using paper impregnated with silica gel, and the solvent system for group separation of PGE and PGF compounds (Stamford and Unger, 1972 Twenty-five adenocarcinomas of rectum, caecum and colon (13 female, 12 male), one malignant carcinoid, and one anal squamous-cell carcinoma were studied (Table). "…”

Increased survival of cancer-bearing mice treated with inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis alone or with chemotherapy

“…(4) Combination of (2) (Bennett et al, 1973) and extracted for prostaglandins with organic solvents (Unger et at., 1971). The extracts were assayed against prostaglandin E2 on rat gastric fundus (Bennett et al, 1973) which quantifies the prostaglandin-like activity, but does not distinguish between different fatty acids.…”