Prostaglandins; their biological and pharmacological role

The biological and pharmacological roles of prostaglandin system are reviewed. The most recent and important finding is the isolation and characterization of endoperoxides, thromboxanes and prostacyclin. In many respect they seem to be even more effective than the original prostaglandins and could explain many actions previously attributed to prostaglandins. Prostaglandins, endoperoxides, thromboxanes, and prostacyclin seem to have important physiological and pathophysiological roles, e.g. in the cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal and reproductive systems, the skin, and the central nervous system, as well as in inflammatory, immunological and metabolic reactions. Thus, prostaglandin-like substances, their analogues, prostaglandin antagonists, and the drugs that affect prostaglandin synthesis present good prospects for the treatment of many diseases affecting these systems. The mode of action of most anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs can be explained by actions on the prostaglandin system. New potent and selective regulators of the prostaglandin system are being investigated and more indications are being found for using existing drugs. Although the field is generally promising, there are many contradictory findings. This calls for a cautious interpretation of the many interesting observations.