Effects of Blood-Dialyser Interaction on Prostaglandins in Uraemic Patients and in Healthy Man

The present study examines extracorporeal prostaglandin production during routine and simulated haemodialysis in healthy volunteers. The roles of dialyser membranes and alcohol washing procedures were investigated. The source of extracorporeal prostaglandin E2 was estimated by a specific platelet cyclo-oxygenase antagonist. Extracorporeal thromboxane production, with and without antagonist, was compared in an attempt to substantiate the role of the cyclo-oxygenase pathway by sources other than platelets. Clinical investigations show that prostaglandin liberation in the extracorporeal bloodstream is detectable. Additionally, laboratory results suggest an association between the type of dialyser membrane and extracorporeal prostaglandin release. The amount of prostaglandin E2 was reduced when dialysers were pre-washed with alcohol. Furthermore, it was experimentally possible to determine that a large part of extracorporeal prostaglandin E2 is released by sources other than platelets, suggesting a possible role of monocytes in extracorporeal prostaglandin production.