Prostaglandins are unsaturated fatty acid derivatives produced in many organs that act locally in small amounts and are rapidly metabolized. They were first discovered in human semen in 1930. Arachidonic acid is the precursor that is released from cell membranes by phospholipase A2 and then converted to various prostaglandins by cyclooxygenase enzymes. Glucocorticoids and NSAIDs can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins have many physiological effects including vasodilation, smooth muscle contraction, and sensitizing pain receptors. Analogues of prostaglandins E and F are used for labor induction, abortion, treating glaucoma, and pulmonary hypertension.