Effects of prostaglandins and their methylated analogues upon human adenylate cyclase in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The effects of prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin A2 and their methylated analogues upon the adenylate cyclase in human gastric mucosa were studied. PG E2 and 16,16-dimethyl-PG E2 stimulated the enzyme activity to a greater degree than PG A2 and 16,16-dimethyl-PG A2. 16,16-dimethyl-PG E2 was less potent in activating the enzyme system than its parent compound. The results suggest that the more pronounced antisecretory activity of 16,16-dimethyl-PG E2 is due to its greater resistance against enzymatic degradation.