Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Imaging Leukocyte Adhesion to the Vascular Endothelium at High Intraluminal Pressure
Published on: August 23, 2011
Prostanoids and blood pressure: which way is up?
Helene Francois1, Thomas M Coffman
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA.
Abstract:
Members of the family of prostanoids, made up of prostaglandins and thromboxanes, are generated via COX-mediated metabolism of arachidonic acid. These lipid mediators exhibit wide-ranging biological actions that include regulating both vasomotor tone and renal sodium excretion. As COX inhibition is often associated with sodium retention leading to edema and hypertension, prostanoids appear to have a role in preventing the development of high blood pressure. On the other hand, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGI2 have also been implicated as determinants of renin secretion. A new study suggests that PGI2 plays a critical role in stimulating renin release and promoting hypertension following renal artery stenosis.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction while...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...

