PROSTAGLANDINS - THEIR BIOLOGICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ROLE

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • review article
    • Vol. 56  (4) , 163-183
Abstract
The most recent and important finding concerning prostaglandins is the isolation and characterization of endoperoxides, thromboxanes and prostacyclin. In many respects they seem even more effective than the original prostaglandins and could explain many actions previously attributed to prostaglandins. Prostaglandins, endoperoxides, thromboxanes and prostacyclin apparently have important physiological and pathophysiological roles, e.g., in the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems, the skin and the CNS, as well as in inflammatory, immunological and metabolic reactions. Prostaglandin-like substances, their analogs, prostaglandin antagonists and the drugs that affect prostaglandin synthesis present good prospects for the treatment of many diseases affecting these systems. The mode of action of most anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs can be explained by actions on the prostaglandin system. New potent and selective regulators of the prostaglandin system are being investigated and more indications are being found for using existing drugs. Although the field is generally promising, there are many contradictory findings. A cautious interpretation of the observations is stressed.