Prostaglandin precursors and the cell-mediated immune response

Essential fatty acids of the ω-6 family have been found to play a role in the regulation of cell-mediated immune responses. There is evidence suggesting that their effect is mediated by derivatives, possibly prostaglandins produced in the spleen. In experiments designed to clarify the effects of different essential fatty acid derivatives on cell-mediated immune responses, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats could be suppressed by treatment of the animals with an antiserum raised against prostaglandin E 1.