FUNCTIONS OF PROSTAGLANDINS

Prostaglandins have numerous and diverse effects. Diversity is awesome and 

bewildering. Not only is the spectrum of actions broad, but also different PGs
show different activities both qualitatively and quantitatively.

1. C2V2 System

Antihypertensive action: In most species and in most vascular beds, PG-Es and
PG-As are potent vasodilators. BP: Systemic BP generally falls in response to
PGE and PG-As.

2. Haematological Response

• Capillary permeability is increased by PGs-E1, E2, F1and F2. Intradermal

injection of PGs in man causes wheal and flare similar to histamine.

• Platelets: PGE1 is a potent inhibitor of human platelet aggregation. Thus

PGE1 has proved useful for har- vesting and storage of blood platelets
for therapeutic transfusion.

3. Action on GI Secretions

(a) Gastric Secretion: PGs E1, E2 and A1 (Not F2) inhibit gastric secretion, whether

basal or stimulated by feeding, histamine or pentagastrin. There is decrease in
volume, acid and pepsin content. Action is believed to be exerted directly on
secretory cells through c-AMP. Based on this, PGs have been used for
preventing or alleviating gastric ulcers.

(b) Pancreatic Secretion: Its action is opposite. There is increase in volume,

bicarbonate and enzyme content of pancreatic juice.

(c) Intestinal Secretion 

Mucus secretion is increased. There is substantial movement of water and

electrolytes into intestinal lumen. PG­E1 given orally in human volunteers produces 
watery diarrhoea. 
4. Effects on Smooth Muscles

(a) G2I2 Musculature 

• In vitro responses vary widely with species, segment, type of muscle and

type of PGs. In human beings PG-E and F produce contraction of
longitudinal muscle from stomach to colon.

• In vivo effects are variable in man. Diarrhea, cramps and reflux of bile have
been noted in human volun- teers given PG-E orally (Purgative action). 

(b) Bronchial muscle: In general, PG-Fs contract and PG- Es relax bronchial and

tracheal musculatures in various species including man. Thus PGE1 and E2 has 
been used for treatment of status asthmaticus. 

(c) Uterine Muscle 

• In vivo, whether pregnant or not, always show con- traction by PGE 1, E2 and

PG-F2when administered IV. The response is prompt and dose-dependent and
takes the form of a sharp rise in tonus with super- imposed rhythmic
contractions.

5. Metabolic Effects and Action on Endocrine Organs

• Lipolysis: PG-Es inhibit adenyl cyclase and lowers cyclic AMP level, thus

decreasing Lipolysis. 

• PGEs have also some Insulin like effects on carbo- hydrate metabolism.

• Exert PTH-like (Parathormone) effects on bone, resulting to mobilisation of

calcium from bone producing hypercalcaemia 

• Exerts thyrotropin like effects on thyroid gland.

• Stimulation of steroid production by adrenal cortex (Steroidogenesis)

• Luteolysis: Prompt subsidence of progesterone secre- tion and regression of

corpus luteum follows paren- teralinjectionofPGF2in
 awidevarietyofmammals. This effect interrupts early pregnancy, which is
dependent on luteal Progesterone. Mechanism of Luteolysis is uncertain,
but it may involve block of the normal ovarian response to circulating
gonadotrophins. 6. Renal action: Intravenous infusion of PGE and A
produces:

• Substantial increase in renal plasma flow (RPF) ↑

• Increase in GFR ↑

• Increased urinary flow (diuresis) ↑Mechanism: PGE2 decreases cyclic

AMP level ↑in renal tubule cells and opposes the cyclic AMP
mediated action of Vasopressin on water reabsorption in tubules.
Thus