Prostacyclin


Prostacyclin
Systematic (IUPAC) name
5-[7-hydroxy-8- (3-hydroxyoct-1-enyl) -4-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]oct-3-ylidene] pentanoic acid
Identifiers
CAS number	35121-78-9
ATC code	B01AC09
PubChem	114805
DrugBank	APRD00949
Chemical data
O₅
Mol. mass	352.465 g/mol
SMILES	search in eMolecules, PubChem
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status
Routes	?

Prostacyclin (or PGI₂) is a member of the family of eicosanoids.

Production

It is produced in endothelial cells from prostaglandins and thromboxane).

The series-3 prostaglandin PGH₃ also follows the prostacyclin synthase pathway, yielding another prostacyclin, PGI₃.(Fischer, 1985) The unqualified term 'prostacyclin' usually refers to PGI₂. PGI₂ is derived from the ω-6 EPA.

Mode of action

Prostacyclin acts by activating prostacyclin receptors.

Function

Prostacyclin chiefly prevents vasodilator. Prostacyclin's interactions in contrast to thromboxane, another eicosanoid, strongly suggest a mechanism of cardiovascular homeostasis between the two hormones in relation to vascular damage.

Pharmacology

Synthetic prostacyclin analogues (iloprost, cisaprost) are used intravenously, subcutaneously or by inhalation:

as a vasodilator in severe Raynaud's phenomenon or ischemia of a limb;
in pulmonary hypertension.

Its production is inhibited indirectly by NSAIDs, which inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzymes COX1 and COX2. These convert arachidonic acid to PGH₂, the immediate precursor of prostacyclin.

References

Dorlands Medical Dictionary. epoprostenol. Retrieved on February 10, 2006.

Fischer S, Weber PC (1985). "Thromboxane (TX)A3 and prostaglandin (PG)I3 are formed in man after dietary eicosapentaenoic acid: identification and quantification by capillary gas chromatography-electron impact mass spectrometry". Biomed. Mass Spectrom. 12 (9): 470-6. PMID 2996649.