| Prostaglandins | |||||
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Prostaglandins are a group of hormone-like substances and in a similar way to hormones they play a role in a wide range of physiological processes in the body. Prostaglandins act on cells near where they are syntehsised and they are metabolised very quickly. Interestingly (and very unlike hormones), prostaglandins stimulate a different action depending on which tissue they are located in.
Prostaglandins are synthesised in the body from the fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA), which is an omega-6 fatty acid.
Prostaglandins were first discovered in 1930 in semen, and got their name because it was thought they originated from the prostate gland, but today we know that prostaglandins exist in and are synthesised in virtually every cell of the body (both male and female).
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Important prostaglandins facts
- The specific prostaglandin that plays a role in the male reproductive tract is prostaglandin E1
- Aspirin blocks the effects of prostaglandins and that is how they reduce inflammation, pain and fever
- Drugs for period pain also work on blocking the effects of prostaglandins to relieve the pain associated with menstruation (for some women)
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Why prostaglandins are important
Prostaglandins are very important as they have several functions within the body:
- Activate inflammation - prostaglandins produce pain, fever and inflammation at the site of tissue damage. The prostaglandins are relesased by the damaged tissues cells when white blood cells try to repair tissue damage
- Blod clot formation - a prostaglandin, thromboxane (PGI2), stimulates blood vessel constriction and platelet clotting when a blood bessel is damaged. But, if a clot is forming in a blood vessel where it shouldnt be, PGI2 has the opposite effect (opens the blood vessel a reduces clotting)
- Reproductive processes - certain prostaglandins work to induce labour by causing contractions of the uterus (PEG2 is synthesised for this purpose) and other reproductive processes
- Other body processes - certain prostaglandins are involved the gastrointestinal system (increase the mucous production in the stomach and decrease acid production), increasing the blood flow to the kidneys, constriction of the bronchi in asthma sufferers
references
- McGuire M, Beerman KA, Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food, 2007 Thomson Wadsworth USA
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Food Standards Australia & New Zealand - Omega 6
- National Asthma Council Australia
- American Heart Foundation
