Abstract
Topoisomerase II from human placenta was strongly inhibited by prostaglandins such as Δ 12,14-PGJ2, Δ 12-PGJ2, PGA2, and PGA1, which have an antitumor activity. The topoisomerase II inhibitions by these prostaglandins were dose-dependent and IC50 values of Δ 12,14-PGJ2, Δ 12-PGJ2, PGA2, and PGA1 were 22 μM, 74 μM, 75 μM, and 98 μM, respectively. Topoisomerase I from calf thymus gland was inhibited by Δ 12,14-PGJ2, Δ 12-PGJ2, and PGA2, but not inhibited by other prostaglandins even at high concentrations. Only the prostaglandins having the antitumor activity inhibited topoisomerase II. The results suggest that the antitumor activity of prostaglandins may be related, at least in part, to inhibition of topoisomerase II in tumor cells.