Prostaglandins

The prostaglandins (PG) are a set of physiologically active lipid compounds with diverse hormone-like effects in animals. Prostaglandins are derived enzymatically from fatty acids.A prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5-carbon ring. They are a sub-family of eicosanoids and of the prostanoid class of fatty acid derivatives. Prostaglandins have two derivatives: prostacyclins and thromboxanes. Prostacyclins are powerful locally acting vasodilators and can inhibit the aggregation of blood platelets. Through their role in vasodilation, prostacyclins also play important roles in inflammation. They are often synthesized in the walls of blood vessels and serve the physiological function of preventing needless clot formation, as well as regulating the contraction of smooth muscle tissue. On the contrary, thromboxanes are vasoconstrictors and facilitate platelet aggregation. Their names come from their role in clot formation (thrombosis).