Prostaglandins muscle contraction induction

What do prostaglandins and leukotrienes have to do with lipids The unsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid is the precursor of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, compounds that have a wide range of physiological activities. Stimulation of smooth-muscle contraction and induction of inflammation are common to both classes of compounds. Prostaglandins are also involved in control of blood pressure and inhibition of blood-platelet aggregation. 

Prostaglandins are involved, along with oxytoxin and steroids, in control of parturition. They result in contraction of the uterine muscles and dilation of the cervix (the neck of the womb). This effect is very powerful since the maximum dilation is an increase in diameter of about 10 cm. Prostaglandins were first used for induction of abortion in the UK in 1972. 

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