EFFECTS OF MISOPROSTOL AND PROSTAGLANDIN E2 ON PROTEOGLYCAN BIOSYNTHESIS AND LOSS IN UNLOADED AND LOADED ARTICULAR CARTILAGE EXPLANTS

Abstract The effects of misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analog, and prostaglandin E2 on proteoglycan biosynthesis and loss were studied in unloaded and mechanically loaded mature bovine articular cartilage explants. The prostaglandins were administered daily at dosages of 0, 10, 100 and 1000 ηg/ml for up to seven days, and proteoglycan biosynthesis determined by measurement of radiolabelled sulfate incorporation. The presence of misoprostol lead to a significant ( p p