Antinephritic Effect of Prostaglandin E₁ on Serum Sickness Nephritis in Rats (4) Enhanced Clearance of Macromolecules by the Reticulo-Endothelial System with Prostaglandin E₁

Abstract

Function of the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) was determined by the carbon clearance technique in rats. Rats in the previous phase of nephritis showed reduced function of the RES with circulating immune complexes compared with normal rats. Prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) at 1.0 mg/kg, s.c., resulted in significant recovery in the impaired RES activity of the rats in the previous state of nephritis. Dipyridamole, 400 mg/kg, p.o., slightly enhanced function of the RES, but 20 mg/kg azathioprine, p.o., did not. Thus, the enhanced RES activity with PGE₁ can explain part of the antinephritic effect of PGE₁.