Abstract

PIP: Prostaglandins are analogs of the parent 20 carbon prostanoic acid. They are divided into 4 series: PGE; PGF; PGA; PGB, according to the presence of functionalities in the cyclopentane structure. Biosynthesis of prostaglandins were first independently reported by Bergstrom et.al. and van Dorp et.al. who showed that certain w-6-unsaturated fatty acids were biological precursors of prostaglandins. Later, various investigators reported the biosynthesis of prostaglandins of the different series. The 2 most widely used routes of prostaglandins synthesis are 1) the Corey cyclopentyl-lactone route, and 2) the bicyclohexane route. The synthesis is divided into 1) naturally occuring primary prostaglandins and 2) the prostaglandin analogs and derived prostaglandins. Because of the general instability of natural prostaglandins in the basic and acidic milieu, various preparations of prostaglandins and chemically stable dosage forms have been developed. Various methods used in analyzing prostaglandins include: 1) TLC; 2) GLC; 3) spectral methods; 4) radioimmunoassay; and 5) enzymatic assay. In vitro and in vivo studies on the metabolism and catabolism of various prostaglandins showed that they are rapidly metabolized in various animal systems and humans. The major routes for this metabolic transformation are: 1) oxidation of the secondary C15 hydroxy group; 2) reduction of the C13 double bond; 3) B-oxidation; 4) w-hydroxylation; and 5) w-oxidation. Prostaglandins produce a wide range of biological effects on animal and human systems (the reproductive; gastrointestinal; respiratory; and cardiovascular systems). The biological actions of prostaglandins on animal and human reproductive tissue vary depending on the particular prostaglandin studied and hormonal state of the tissue. Certain prostaglandins can decrease the tonus, frequency, and amplitude of spontaneous contractions of human uterine strips while other prostaglandins can cause contraction of isolated myometrial strips. Prostaglandins are widely used in labor induction; induction of therapeutic abortion; and fertility control. Prostaglandins have also been found to either increase or decrease cyclic AMP; inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation; lower blood pressure in animals; affect lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and prevent adjuvant arthritis.