Release of labile cyclo-oxygenase products of arachidonic acid from kidney by endotoxin

The possible release of prostaglandin (PG)-like substances was studied in isolated perfused kidneys from intact and from intrarenal endotoxin (Lipopolysaccharide-LPS)-injected rabbits, using the venous outflow superflow superfuse assay organ technique. Injection of LPS into the renal artery of an LPS-pretreated kidney caused a release of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2)-like materials into the venous effluent as verified by the responses of the specific assay organs. No detectable release of these substances was found in the venous outflow of LPS-injected intact kidney. The possible role of labile cyclo-oxygenase products of arachidonic acid in the Shwartzman reaction is discussed.