Regulation of Blood Flow by Prostaglandins

Authors: Boushel R.; Langberg H.; Risum N.; Kjaer M.

Source: Current Vascular Pharmacology, Volume 2, Number 2, April 2004 , pp. 191-197(7)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Prostaglandins (PGs) belong to the family of prostanoids together with thromboxanes and are produced mainly from arachadonic acid by the enzyme cyclooxygenase. PGs are known to stimulate platelet aggregation, mediate inflammation and edema, play a role in bone metabolism and in biological adaptation of connective tissues e.g. tendon. This review covers the role of PG for mediating tissue blood flow at rest and during increases in metabolic demand such as exercise and reactive hyperaemia. There is strong evidence that PGs contribute to elevate blood flow at rest and during reactive hyperaemia in a variety of tissues. Their role for regulating the large increases in muscle blood flow during exercise is less clear which may be explained by redundant mechanisms. Several interactions are known to exist between specific vasodilator substances, and therefore PGs can act in synergy with other substances and contribute to functional hyperaemia. Furthermore, there is evidence for differential, tissue-specific influences of PGs where their influence on blood flow during exercise may be profound.

Keywords: vasodilation; exercise; muscle; tendon

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570161043476410

Affiliations: 1: Department of Exercise Science Concordia University SP-165.19 7141 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, Qc., Canada H4B 1R6.

Publication date: 2004-04-01

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Vascular disease is the commonest cause of death in Westernized countries and its incidence is on the increase in developing countries. It follows that considerable research is directed at establishing effective treatment for acute vascular events. Long-term treatment has also received considerable attention (e.g. for symptomatic relief). Furthermore, effective prevention, whether primary or secondary, is backed by the findings of several landmark trials.

Vascular disease is a complex field with primary care physicians and nurse practitioners as well as several specialties involved. The latter include cardiology, vascular and cardio thoracic surgery, general medicine, radiology, clinical pharmacology and neurology (stroke units). Current Vascular Pharmacology will publish reviews to update all those concerned with the treatment of vascular disease. For example, reviews commenting on recently published trials or new drugs will be included. In addition to clinically relevant topics we will consider 'research-based' reviews dealing with future developments and potential drug targets. Therefore, another function of Current Vascular Pharmacology is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and ongoing research.

Debates will also be encouraged in the correspondence section of this journal.

Regulation of Blood Flow by Prostaglandins

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