If a macrophage encounters bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in lung tissue, which consequence follows concerning prostaglandin production?

💡 Explanation

LPS activates the macrophage to release cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta; these cytokines act in a paracrine manner to induce COX-2 expression and therefore prostaglandin production is enhanced, because the cyclooxygenase enzymes are needed for prostaglandin synthesis, rather than being inhibited. Consequently, an upregulation of COX-2 expression will cause increased prostaglandin synthesis, rather than its inhibition or increased catabolism.

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