The Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins

Knowledge of the structure and synthesis of antibodies (immunoglobulins) has developed to a remarkable degree in the last decade. Distinct classes of immunoglobulin (yG, yM, -yA, yD, yE, and their subgroups) have been identified and shown to consist of fixed numbers of light and heavy polypeptide chains organized in pairs. Each polypeptide has a segment of variable amino acid sequence; the spec...

[Prostaglandins].

Prostaglandins and the kidney.

Prostaglandins and the kidney.

This review provides a summary and assessment of research involving renal prostaglandins. Arachidonic acid released from phospholipids is converted by prostaglandin cyclo-oxygenase in the kidney to PGF2, PGF2alpha, PGD2, and, possibly, to PGI2 and thromboxane A2. Production of PGE2 and PGF2alpha is predominately but not exclusively in the medulla, whereas degradative enzymes are present in both...

Prostaglandins and the lung.

Evidence exists implicating prostaglandins as mediators of asthma and of chronic inflammation in the lung. In addition to their spasmogenic effects, PGs are also potent in vitro regulators of mediator secretion by basophils, mast cells, or lymphocytes. These regulatory effects of E-series PGs may have considerable significance in drug design and evaluation in both asthma and chronic inflammation.