There is evidence that an important step in the metabolism of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) involves 11-keto-reduction and that such a conversion might account for the reported increase in plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha in allergic asthmatic subjects challenged with inhaled allergen. Plasma concentrations of immunoreactive 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha were measured by specific radioimmunoassay both before and after inhalation of PGD2 and PGF2 alpha in 7 normal and 7 asthmatic men. In both groups of subjects, PGF2 alpha produced an approximate two fold increase in plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha that was maximal 5-7 min after inhalation. There was no significant difference in response between the normal and asthmatic subjects. In contrast, PGD2 failed to produce a change in plasma 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha concentration in either group. These results provide evidence that the conversion of PGD2 to PGF2 alpha with subsequent metabolism to 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha is unlikely to occur when PGD2 is released from mast cells in the airways.