prostaglandins
Sign in to savethumb|class=skin-invert-image|Chemical structure of Prostaglandin E1|prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil) class=skin-invert-image|thumb|175px|Chemical structure of Prostacyclin|prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin)
Article
17 sectionsContents
- History and name
- Biochemistry
- Biosynthesis
- Release of prostaglandins from the cell
- Cyclooxygenases
- Prostaglandin E synthase
- Other terminal prostaglandin synthases
- Functions
- Role in pharmacology
- Inhibition
- Clinical uses
- Synthesis
- Prostaglandin stimulants
- See also
- Notes
- References
- External links
thumb|class=skin-invert-image|Chemical structure of Prostaglandin E1|prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil) class=skin-invert-image|thumb|175px|Chemical structure of Prostacyclin|prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin)
Prostaglandins (PG) are a group of physiologically active lipid compounds that have diverse hormone-like effects in animals. They are a subclass of eicosanoids and of the prostanoid class of fatty acid derivatives. Prostaglandins have been found in almost every tissue in humans and other animals. They are derived enzymatically from the fatty acid arachidonic acid. Every prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5-carbon ring.