PGI2 as a regulator of inflammatory diseases

Mediators Inflamm. 2012:2012:926968. doi: 10.1155/2012/926968. Epub 2012 Jul 18.

Abstract

Prostacyclin, or PGI(2), is an end product derived from the sequential metabolism of arachidonic acid via cyclooxygenase and PGI synthase (PGIS). The receptor for PGI(2), IP, can be found on a variety of cell types and signaling through this receptor exhibits broad physiological effects. Historically, PGI(2) has been understood to play a role in cardiovascular health, specifically having powerful vasodilatory effects via relaxation of smooth muscle and inhibiting of platelet aggregation. For these reasons, PGI(2) has a long history of use for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Only recently, its importance as an immunomodulatory agent has been investigated. PGI(2) regulates both the innate and adaptive immune systems and its effects are, for the most part, thought to be anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive in nature, which may have implications for its further clinical use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity / drug effects
  • Epoprostenol / metabolism*
  • Epoprostenol / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / drug effects
  • Immunologic Factors / metabolism
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Vasodilation / drug effects

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Epoprostenol