Prostaglandins

A family of fatty acids, unsaturated carboxylic acids, generated by arachidonic acid metabolism via the cyclooxygenase pathway. They are produced by most cells and are potent regulators of a number of biological processes. Their production is inhibited by aspirin, ibuprofen, and other inhibitors of cyclooxygenase.

A family of C 20 lipid compounds found in various tissues, associated with muscular contraction and the inflammation response such as swelling, pain, stiffness, redness and warmth.

Chemicals in plants and the human body that have a hormonal action affecting a wide range of conditions, including pain and inflammation.

A group of physiologically active substances within tissues that cause stimulation of muscles and numerous other metabolic effects; important for inflammation processes.

Compounds synthesized from fatty acids, produced as needed by cell membranes in most body tissues.

Class of chemically related fatty acids present in many body tissues and having the ability to stimulate smooth-muscle contractions, lower blood pressure, and regulate or influence many other body functions.

A group of chemicals that are synthesized in the body. Some can cause dilation of arterioles, whereas others can cause constriction and thereby affect blood pressure. Prostaglandins can also influence blood clotting. Their synthesis can be blocked by aspirin and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Fatty acids that promote the onset of labor.

Any of a class of unsaturated fatty acids found in all mammals which control smooth muscle contraction, inflammation and body temperature, are associated with the sensation of pain and have an effect on the nervous system, blood pressure and in particular the uterus at menstruation.

Any of a group of hormonelike fatty acids produced in small amounts in many body tissues including the uterus, brain, kidneys, and semen. Prostaglandins act on target organs to produce wide-ranging effects. They affect capillary action, endocrine, nervous system, and smooth muscle activities, as well as many other body functions, including contractions of the uterus and regulation of blood pressure. Aspirin and certain other analgesics (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) are believed to act by interfering with the synthesis or reaction of certain prostaglandins.

Hormonelike substances manufactured in the body that produce a wide range of effects, including pain and inflammation in damaged tissue.

One of a group of hormonelike substances present in a wide variety of tissues and body fluids (including the womb, brain, lungs, kidney, and semen). Prostaglandins have many actions, one of which is to cause contraction of the womb: for this reason they have been used therapeutically to aid labor and induce abortion.

A group of natural fatty-acid substances with a wide range of activity; they are so-called because they were first discovered in the semen and thought to arise in the prostate gland. Their precise mode of action is not yet clear, but they are potent stimulators of muscle contraction and also effective vasodilators. Prostaglandins cause contraction of the uterus and have been used to induce labour; they are also being used as a means of inducing therapeutic abortions.

Any of a large group of biologically active, carbon-20, unsaturated fatty acids that are produced by the metabolism of arachidonic acid through the cyclooxygenase pathway. They are autacoids: local short-range hormones that are formed rapidly, act in the immediate area, and then decay or are destroyed by enzymes. PGD2, PGE2, PGF2t„ and PGIiPGI2 (prostacyclin), and TXA2 (thromboxane) are important mediators of inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs block the production of prostaglandins.

Hormone-like substances in the body that help to control blood clotting and inflammation.

A chemical substance that cells produce to control many functions, including pain.

Prostaglandins, a hormone-like compound synthesized within the body, exhibit a diverse array of effects. They play a potential role in generating certain forms of discomfort and inflammatory responses.

Belonging to a category of fatty acids naturally produced by the body, prostaglandins function similarly to hormones. Initially identified in semen, they are now known to be present in various bodily tissues such as the uterus, brain, and kidneys. Prostaglandins are classified into general groups based on their chemical composition.

Prostaglandins exert diverse effects on the body, such as inducing pain and inflammation in injured tissue, safeguarding the stomach and duodenal lining from ulcers, reducing blood pressure, and triggering labor contractions. These effects can also be replicated through the use of prostaglandin medications.