Effect of flow on prostaglandin E/sub 2/ production and inositol trisphosphate levels in cultured osteoblasts

In order to determine what effects flow has on prostaglandin production, prostaglandin E/sub 2/ levels were analyzed in perfusing media. To examine the effect of flow on cultured osteoblasts, intracellular concentrations of inositol trisphosphate were measured. It is shown that prostaglandin E/sub 2/ production is increased in cells exposed to either steady or pulsatile flow. Flow-caused oscillations were observed in the intracellular levels of inositol trisphosphate. These responses are both shear and time dependent.<>