It is well known that prostanoids preparation is efficient for refractory dermal ulcer and arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). Recently, although it has been also shown that one prostanoid has a promotive action on angiogenesis, the mechanism of action is not cleared. The efficacy of an alprostadil (Lipo-PG-E1, Palux) as DDS preparation for the VEGF production by dermal fibroblasts under stimulation with the preparation was investigated in cultured fibroblasts derived from healthy skin in the present study. The dermal fibroblasts produced VEGF protein dosedependently by addition of alprostadil. The fibroblasts stimulated IL-1 also enhanced VEGF production but the production was inhibited by COX inhibitors (indomethacin and NS-398). VEGF produced by dermal fibroblasts were regulated by prostanoids. Furthermore, it was suggested that the endogenous prostanoids by dermal fibroblasts influenced the production of VEGF. These results may be able to apply alprostadil preparation (Lipo-PG-E1) to as an effective device of angiogenesis therapy by using the technique of pharmacologicalpharmaceutical regenerative medicine.
