Using our original in vitro assay system with goldfish scales, we examined the direct effect of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) on osteoclasts and osteoblasts in teleosts. In this assay system, we measured the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) as respective indicators of each activity in osteoblasts and osteoclasts. ALP activity in scales significantly increased following treatment at high concentration of PGE(2) (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) over 6 hrs of incubation. At 18 hrs of incubation, ALP activity also significantly increased in the PGE(2) (10(-9) to 10(-6) M)-treated scale. In the case of osteoclasts, TRAP activity tended to increase at 6 hrs of incubation, and then significantly increased at 18 hrs of incubation by PGE(2) (10(-7) to 10(-6) M) treatment. At 18 hrs of incubation, the mRNA expression of osteoclastic markers (TRAP and cathepsin K) and receptor activator of the NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL), an activating factor of osteoclasts expressed in osteoblasts, increased in PGE(2) treated-scales. Thus, PGE(2) acts on osteoblasts, and then increases the osteoclastic activity in the scales of goldfish as it does in the bone of mammals. In an in vivo experiment, plasma calcium levels and scale TRAP and ALP activities in the PGE(2)-injencted goldfish increased significantly. We conclude that, in teleosts, PGE(2) activates both osteoblasts and osteoclasts and participates in calcium metabolism.