Hepatic stellate cell contraction is inhibited by lipo‐prostaglandin E1 in vitro

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has been reported to have, experimentally and clinically, a protective effect against liver damage. This effect may result from the relaxation of hepatic stellate cells, whose contraction induces vasoconstriction of hepatic sinusoids. However, prostaglandins are unstable and a new drug delivery system is necessary to administer a sufficient amount of prostaglandin to achieve a protective effect in the liver. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of lipo‐prostaglandin E1 (lipo‐PGE1) which has a novel drug delivery system on the stellate cell contraction induced by endothelin‐1 in vitro. Lipo‐PGE1 inhibited endothelin‐1‐induced stellate cell contraction in concentrations of 10, 30 and 50 ng/mL. Therefore, lipo‐PGE1 may show a cytoprotective effect in the liver through the relaxation of stellate cells and an increase in the hepatic sinusoidal blood flow.