We have investigated the uptake and subsequent metabolism of the prostaglandins (PGs) PGE1, PGA1, and PGB1 by rat, guinea pig and rabbit isolated perfused lungs (IPL). Significant species differences were not observed in the uptake or metabolism of any PG on passage through the IPL. However, differences in the uptake of PGA1 and PGB1 and in the metabolism of PGA1 were observed with a given species when the composition of the perfusion medium was varied. The IPL removed minimal amounts (less than 20% of the supply rate) of PGA1, and PGB1 from the circulation when the perfusate contained 4.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA). In the absence of BSA, however, both PGA1 and PGB1 were substantially removed from circulation (approximately 53% of the supply rate) and PGA1 was also metabolized. The composition of the perfusate had no effect on the uptake and metabolism of PGE1 which was always taken up and metabolized to a greater extent than was PGA1 and PGB1. Thus, the apparent species differences previously reported for the pulmonary biotransformation of PGA can result from differences in the perfusion medium used. Our data suggest that both plasma protein binding and a transport system play important roles in determining the selectively of the uptake of PGs by the lung.