Prostaglandins Mode of Actions

1. Pharmacological Endocrinology
Group Members: Amna,Nigah Fatima,
Tooba,Abbas,Sameed,
Mayaram
Presentation Topic: Mode of Action of
Prostaglandins
Assigned By: DR.Shakeel Ahmed Memon

2. MODE OF ACTION OF
PROSTAGLANDINS
 PG act as local hormones.
 PGs are produced in almost all the tissues
 PGs are not stored & they are degraded to inactive products at the site of their
production.
 PGs are produced in very small amounts & have low half-lives.

3. REGULATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE:
 The prostaglandins (PGE, PGA & PGl2) are vasodilator in function.
 This results in increased blood flow and decreased peripheral resistance to lower
the blood pressure.
 PGs serve as agents in the treatment of hypertension.

4. INFLAMMATION :
 PGE1 & PGE2 induce the symptoms of inflammation (redness, swelling, edema
etc.) due to arteriolar vasodilation.
 PGs are natural mediators of inflammatory reactions of rheumatoid arthritis,
psoriasis, conjunctivitis etc.
 Causes inflammation at the site of injury and tissue damage,Initiate healing
process.

5. REGULATION OF GASTRIC
SECRETION:
 Prostaglandins (PGE) inhibit gastric secretion,PGs are used for the treatment of
gastric ulcers.
 PGs stimulate pancreatic secretion & increase the motility of intestine which often
causes diarrhea.
 Influence on immune system: Macrophages secrete PGE which decreases the
immunological functions of B-& T-lymphocytes.

6. EFFECT ON RESPIRATORY
FUNCTIONS:
 PGE is a bronchodilator whereas PGF acts as a constrictor of bronchial smooth
muscles.
 PGE & PGF oppose the actions of each other in the lungs.
 It is Used in the treatment of asthma.

7. IN REPRODUCTION:
 Prostaglandins play a role in the following reproductive functions:
Menstruation : Prostaglandins are responsible for uterine contractions during
menstruation. These contractions help release the uterine lining from your uterus, thus
producing a period.
Parturition: Prostaglandins help to dilate your cervix make it wider and cause
uterine contractions.
Ovulation: Prostaglandins are well known to be central regulators of vertebrate
ovulation prostaglandins may be involved: (1) follicular maturation (2) rupture of the
follicle, leading to oocyte release and (3) formation of the corpus luteum.