[Prostaglandins]

Prostaglandin research has led to a plethora of discoveries on pathophysiology. Remarkable examples are arteriosclerosis and its complications, where the role of thromboxane and prostacyclin was discovered and led to the development of strategies for the prevention of myocardial infarction by acetylsalicylic acid. Nephrology has gained new insights into the role of prostaglandins in kidney function under physiological and pathological conditions. The action of various drugs on kidney function has led to the understanding of interactions between non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and antihypertensive drugs and lithium. Systematic research on the role of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in inflammation and in asthma has led to the development of new drugs for both diseases. The original idea to use prostaglandins themselves for various indications has not been realized. As observed often in the past in biological and technological research the most important discoveries came unexpected and as a surprise to the specialists: The use of acetylsalicylic acid for primary and secondary prevention of myocardial infarction and the development of a new generation of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs with much better gastrointestinal and renal tolerance.