Selective inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis by gold salts and phenylbutazone

Gold salts and phenylbutazone selectively inhibit the synthesis of PGF2alpha and PGE2 respectively. Lowered production of one prostaglandin species is accompanied by an increased production of the other. Selective inhibition by these drugs was observed in the presence of adrenaline, reduced glutathione and copper sulphate under conditions when most anti-inflammatory compounds inhibited PGE2 and PGF2alpha syntheses equally. It is postulated that selective inhibitors may have a different mode of action in vivo and beneficial effects may be related to the endogenous ratio of PGE to PGF required for normal function.