Mechanical injury increases eicosanoid production in cultured cardiomyocytes

The release of three stable metabolites of the arachidonic acid cascade was determined in cultures of cardiac myocytes and of non-muscle cells. In both cell types, the main product was 6-keto-PGF_1α much less PGE₂ was released, while TXB₂ was only detected in muscle cells. Preincubation with arachidonic acid increased the release of all the PGs in both types of culture. Mechanical injury had a synergistic effect on the increased PG release in AA-preincubated cells. However, TXB₂ was not detected in F-cells in any experimental conditions. These results suggest that PG production serves a functional role in heart preservation during injury.