prostaglandin

(noun)

any of a group of naturally occurring lipids derived from the C20 acid prostanoic acid; they have a number of physiological functions and may be considered to be hormones

Related Terms

Examples of prostaglandin in the following topics:

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

    • NSAIDs prevent the release of prostaglandins that promotes inflammation and fever in the body.
    • NSAIDs prevent certain chemicals in the body that promote the inflammation, fever, and pain, called prostaglandins.
    • The prostaglandins are produced inside the body's cells and can alter the functions of cells in the body.
    • It produces the prostaglandins that line the stomach and protects it from acids and other digestive chemicals, which can sometimes lead to the bleeding of the stomach lining.
    • The NSAIDs inhibit both the enzymes and prevent the large production of the prostaglandins in the body.

  • Peptic Ulcer Disease

    • The gastric mucosa protects itself from gastric acid with a layer of mucus, the secretion of which is stimulated by certain prostaglandins.
    • NSAIDs block the function of cyclooxygenase 1 (cox-1), which is essential for the production of these prostaglandins.
    • Patients who are taking NSAIDs may also be prescribed a prostaglandin analogue in order to help prevent peptic ulcers by replacing the prostaglandins whose formation is blocked by NSAID use.

  • Fever

    • Fever is an elevation of body temperature above the regulatory set point, mediated through the release of prostaglandin E2.
    • The primary fever mediator in the human body is prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which acts on the hypothalamus to raise the temperature set point.
    • This pathway is mediated by the enzymes phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E2 synthase.

  • Eicosanoids

  • Hair and Hormones

    • Recent research suggests that elevated levels of the enzyme prostaglandin D2 synthase and its product prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in hair follicles contribute to androgenetic alopecia.

  • Abortion

    • Medical abortion became an alternative method of abortion with the availability of prostaglandin analogs in the early 1970s and the antiprogestogen mifepristone in the 1980s.
    • Premature labor and delivery can be induced with prostaglandin; this can be coupled with injecting the amniotic fluid with hypertonic solutions containing saline or urea.

  • Fetal Circulation

    • Additionally, the increase in the concentration of oxygen in the blood leads to a decrease in prostaglandins, causing closure of the ductus arteriosus.

  • Platelet Plug Formation

    • Thromboxane is an arachidonic acid derivative (similar to prostaglandins) that activates other platelets and maintains vasoconstriction.

  • Movement of Fluid Among Compartments

    • Capillary permeability can be increased by the release of certain cytokines, anaphylatoxins, or other mediators (such as leukotrienes, prostaglandins, histamine, bradykinin, etc. ) which are released by cells during inflammation.

  • Ectopic Pregnancy

    • The pain is caused by prostaglandins released at the implantation site, and by free blood in the peritoneal cavity, which is a local irritant.