Short for Prostaglandin E, presumably the fifth subtype discovered, and usually separated into PGE1 and PGE2. These two, if made by the kidneys, slow sodium reabsorption; if within in the uterus, induce a stronger response to less stimulus; if made in the stomach lining inhibit gastric secretion; if secreted by macrophages, target tissues become more accessible to infiltration...and inflammation. These are the two prostaglandins whose levels are meant to be stabilized by gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) supplements. See PROSTAGLANDIN
n. a *prostaglandin drug (PGE1) administered to improve lung blood flow in newborn babies with congenital heart defects who are awaiting surgery; it acts by preventing the closure of the blood vessel connecting the aorta to the pulmonary artery (see ductus arteriosus). Possible side-effects include diminished respiratory efforts. Alprostadil is also administered to treat *erectile dysfunction in men; it acts by relaxing smooth muscle and dilating the cavernosal arteries, so that blood is trapped when the venules become compressed against the *tunica albuginea. Side-effects may include dizziness and headache.... alprostadil
n. one of a group of hormone-like substances present in a wide variety of tissues and body fluids (including the uterus, brain, lungs, kidney, and semen). Prostaglandins have many actions; for example, they cause contraction of smooth muscle (including that of the uterus), dilation of blood vessels, and are mediators in the process of inflammation (aspirin and other *NSAIDs act by blocking their production). They are also involved in the production of mucus in the stomach, which provides protection against acid gastric juice; use of NSAIDs reduces this effect and predisposes to peptic ulceration, the principal side-effect of these drugs. There are nine classes of prostaglandins (PGA–I), within which individual prostaglandins are denoted by numerals (e.g. PGE1). Synthetic prostaglandins are used to induce labour or produce abortion (see dinoprostone; gemeprost) and to treat peptic ulcers (see misoprostol), congenital heart disease in newborn babies (see alprostadil), and glaucoma (see latanoprost).... prostaglandin
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