Prostaglandins: a general review
Shaw, J.E.; Ramwell, P.W.
Research in Prostaglandins 1(1): 1-8
1971
ISSN/ISBN: 0048-7309 PMID: 12338025 Document Number: 573833
PGs (prostaglandins) possess a great variety of pharmacological effects dependent on the precise structure of the PG administered. Since PGs are endogenous to most tissues investigators today attempt to correlate the known PGs pharmacological effects with their possible physiological role. In those tissues where PGs inhibit hormonal responses they also inhibit the accumulation of cyclic AMP (3'5'adenosine monphosphate) induced by the hormones whereas in those tissues where PGs mimic the physiological response of the hormone, they, like the hormone, increase the level of intracellular AMP. Radioimmunoassay and saturation assay methods are under development, and they should enable scientists to rapidly analyze a large number of biological samples. Many large pharmaceutical companies are now proceeding with the chemical synthesis of PGs, which will also permit production of PGs metabolites. Clinical areas in which PGs have been implicated include induction of labor and abortion, alleviation of brochoconstriction and of nasal congestion; PGs also act on the microcirculation and inflammatory response, which indicates a potential use for antiprostaglandins components. PGs are likely to have implications in therapeutics, pathology and cell biology, and may also be effective in modifying DNA synthesis and membrane function. The Worcester Foundation has been a pioneer in recognizing the potential use of PGs in fertility control. Grants from USAID have supported research investigating the sites in the reproductive process at which PGs are important. The Worcester Foundation will also accumulate a supply of PGs and of their analogues to be made available to qualified investigators; a newsletter, "Research in Prostaglandins", will be distributed to all interested persons, and it will contain review articles written by outstanding investigators in the field. An exhaustive bibliography on several aspects of PGs studies concludes this article.