title: Prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin).
abstract: Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), or prostacyclin, is a recently discovered prostaglandin that affects many organ systems. It is both a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation and a powerful vasodilator. The recent demonstration that it is the main prostaglandin synthesized by the blood vessel wall suggests that it may play an important role in limiting platelet-mediated thrombosis. However, despite considerable investigation, the exact physiological role of PGI2 has yet to be elucidated.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology; D001241:Aspirin / Q000494:pharmacology; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000378:metabolism; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000502:physiology; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology; D007668:Kidney / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000502:physiology*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D011453:Prostaglandins; D011464:Epoprostenol; D001241:Aspirin; D006854:Hydrocortisone