Prostaglandins biological effects

Furthermore, we found that the two types of tumor promoters induced common biological effects, such as irritation of mouse ear, and stimulation of prostaglandin E2 production and of arachidonic acid metabolism in rat macrophages. These common effects seem to be the most essential biological activities in tumor promotion (6). 

In the 1970s the synthetic pathway for prostaglandins was elucidated and some of the biological effects identified. On the basis of this work, S. Bergstrom, B. Samuels-son and J. Vane were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1982. 

Lipids play a number of important biological roles. Phospholipids are triesters of glycerol in which one ester is derived from a phosphatidylamine. They are important structural units in cell membranes. Prostaglandins are 20-carbon cyclopentane derivatives of arachidonic acid that have profound biological effects, even in minute quantities. Waxes are monoesters of long-chain acids and alcohols. 

Four EP receptor sub-types have been identified (table 1) [14]. Since prostaglandins are autocoids with a short half-life, interaction with specific EP receptors within the nephron activates the biologic effect of PGE2. Three of the four E-prostanoid receptors, EP2, EP3, and... 

Hormones. The steroid hormones are critical chemical messengers that allow tissues of the body to communicate with one another. The prostaglandins exert strong biological effects on both the cells that produce them and other cells of the body. 

Prostaglandins are made in most tissues, and exert their biological effects on the cells that produce them and on other cells in the immediate vicinity The extraordinary range of prostaglandin functions includes... 

Needleman, P., Bryan, B., Wyche, A., Bronson, S.D., Eakin, E., Ferrendelli, J.A. and Minkes, M. (1977). Thromboxane synthetase inhibitors as pharmacological tools Differential biochemical and biological effects on platelet suspension. Prostaglandins, 14, 897-907... 

Malmsten, C. (1976). Some biological effects of prostaglandin endoperoxide analogs. Life Sci., 18, 169-176... 

A substantial part of our knowledge stems from studies on, first, the direct effects of the prostaglandins as described above or the effects of prostaglandin precursors second, from measurements of prostaglandin levels in body fluids or tissues and third, from registered biological effects of inhibitors of prostaglandin biosynthesis. 

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