prostaglandin /pros·ta·glan·din/ (-glan´din) any of a group of naturally occurring, chemically related fatty acids that stimulate contractility of the uterine and other smooth muscle and have the ability to lower blood pressure, regulate acid secretion of the stomach, regulate body temperature and platelet aggregation, and control inflammation and vascular permeability; they also affect the action of certain hormones. Nine primary types are labeled A through I, the degree of saturation of the side chain of each being designated by subscripts 1, 2, and 3. The types of prostaglandins are abbreviated PGE2, PGF2α, and so on. 
Prostaglandin
prostaglandin (PG)
)
Cyclooxygenase pathway of prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis.
pros·ta·glan·din (pr s t -gl n d n)n. Any of a group of hormonelike substances produced in various tissues that are derived from amino acids and mediate a range of physiological functions, such as metabolism and nerve transmission. |
Prostaglandin
A hormonelike chemical produced in the body. Prostaglandins have a wide variety of effects, and may be responsible for the production of some types of pain and inflammation.
prostaglandin (PG)
[pros′təglan′din]
Etymology: Gk, prostates, standing before; L, glans, acorn
one of several potent unsaturated fatty acids that act in exceedingly low concentrations on local target organs. Prostaglandins are produced in small amounts and have a large array of significant effects. Those given in tablets or in solutions for oral or IV use effect changes in vasomotor tone, capillary permeability, smooth muscle tone, aggregation of platelets, endocrine and exocrine functions, and the autonomic and central nervous systems. Some of the pharmacologic uses of the prostaglandins are termination of pregnancy and treatment of asthma and gastric hyperacidity.
prostaglandin
a group of naturally occurring, chemically related, long-chain hydroxy fatty acids that stimulate contractility of the uterine and other smooth muscle and have the ability to lower blood pressure, regulate acid secretion of the stomach, regulate body temperature and platelet aggregation, and control inflammation and vascular permeability. They also affect the action of certain hormones. First found in semen, they have since been found in cells throughout the body. There are six types, A, B, C, D, E and F, the degree of saturation of the side chain of each being designated by subscripts 1, 2 and 3.
The main use of prostaglandins in veterinary medicine is in the treatment and regulation of activity of the female reproductive tract. The E and F series stimulate myometrial contraction. F2 is luteolytic.
prostaglandin F1α
promotes platelet aggregation; actively removed from the circulation by the vascular endothelium.
prostaglandin I2
see prostacyclin.
prostaglandin synthase complex
a central enzyme system in the synthesis of prostaglandins.
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