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Specialized Functions and Therapeutic
Applications of Prostaglandins
Dr J.P.N. Mishra and
Dr M.K. Singh
The prostaglandins (PG's) are a unique group of cyclic fatty acids with vast and potent biologic effects involving almost every organ system in a variety of species including the human. Structural-Functional Relationships
Most commonly occurring prostaglandins are PGA,, PGA,, PGE ,PGE,,PGF, and PGF,. These compounds are all compassed of a 20-carbon carboxylic acid containing a cyclopentane ring, a hypothetical structure referred to as prostanoic acid. However, they contain various degrees of substitution and unsaturation in the ring as well as in the aliphatic side chains. Depending on the class of prostaglandin they may either relax vascular smooth muscle with consequent lowering of blood pressure or contract non-vascular smooth muscle, such as intestines and uterus or both. (Table 1)
Table 1 Functional relationships among the principal prostaglandin classes
Compound Effect on Blood Non-vascular smooth
Pressure muscle stimulating activity PGA Decrease
Inactive PGE Decrease
Very active PGF Transient increase Very active
TME YE MS - fatore, 2006
91
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