[Pharmacologic concepts for clinical use of prostaglandin E1]

This presentation reviews pharmacological properties of PGE1 which may be relevant for its clinical use to treat peripheral arterial occlusive diseases. These include inhibition of receptor-mediated stimulation of human PMN and platelets which is caused via cAMP as intracellular second messenger. Further actions are an endothelium-independent vessel relaxation and a yet poorly defined "cytoprotective" action, i.e. an improved organ and tissue preservation without direct relation to cell metabolism or blood flow. Recent evidence suggests that these biological effects of PGE1 may also include one of its metabolite, i.e. PGE0. Details about the biological activities of this compound in comparison to PGE1 will be presented separately at this meeting. It is concluded that the beneficial effects of PGE1 in treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease are a multifactorial event and might involve PGE0, in particular at intravenous administration of high doses.