15‐Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase Activity in the Lower Genitourinary Tract A Preliminary Report

Summary— In the pathway of prostaglandin inactivation, 15‐hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15‐OHPGDH) has been proven to be the catalyst of the primary catabolic step in the oxidation of the 15‐hydroxyl group into a 15‐keto moiety in most derivatives of prostaglandins. In this study, we analysed 15‐OHPGDH activity in the lower genitourinary tract. The specimens were obtained with permission from patients who underwent surgery. These specimens were then sent for quantitative determination using a tritium release assay specific for 15‐OHPGDH. The highest enzyme activity was found in the ureter with a mean ± SE (pmol/min/mg) of 94.99 ± 51.00; the lowest activity was in the vas deferens, with a value of 0.18 ± 0.21. This preliminary study indicated that the activity of 15‐OHPGDH in the lower genitourinary tract was significant and that prostaglandin levels in the genitourinary tract may be regulated by this enzyme.