Stimulation of prostaglandin production through purinoceptors on cultured porcine endothelial cells

ATP (approx. 1-300 microM) induces dose-dependent prostacyclin secretion from perfused columns of microcarrier beads with cultured endothelial monolayers attached. The response is transient, shows little tachyphylaxis and can reach approx. 100 times control values. 2-Methylthio-ATP is more potent, ADP slightly less potent, AMP much less potent and adenosine is ineffective. These results are consistent with the presence of a purinoceptor on endothelium linked to the prostacyclin synthetic pathway.