Prostaglandin

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, PGF2a, and so on.

Cyclooxygenase pathway of prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis.

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pros·ta·glan·din (prst-glndn)

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.

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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.

Mentioned in: Abortion, Therapeutic, Aspirin, Glaucoma

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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.

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prostaglandin F_1a

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.