Prostaglandin E 2 of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract

Abstract

Mucosal specimens obtained from the upper aerodigestive tract of 101 patients were assayed for prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). Prostaglandin was detected in all specimens evaluated. Children and nonsmoking adults demonstrated lower concentrations of PGE₂ than smoking adults. Tumor specimens from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract demonstrated significantly increased levels of PGE₂ (P<.05). Normal mucosa obtained from patients with squamous carcinoma elsewhere in their upper aerodigestive tract was found to contain significantly more PGE₂ than that from adults without tumors (P<.05). The amount of PGE₂ released from a tissue biopsy was not related to the amount of mononuclear cell infiltrate. No age-related trends in PGE₂ levels were noted. Prostaglandin levels were higher in patients with advanced tumors in comparison to smaller tumors. The possible impact of elevated levels of PGE₂ upon the immune system, the subsequent development of second primary carcinomas, and the relationship between PGE₂ and the use of tobacco products is discussed.

Keywords

head and neck mucosa squamous cell carcinoma

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