Abstract |
Prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane, which are important regulators of vascular function. Under normal physiological conditions, PGHS-dependent vasodilators (such as prostacyclin) modulate vascular tone. However, PGHS-dependent vasoconstriction (mediated by thromboxane and/or its immediate precursor, PGH(2)) predominates in some vascular pathologies (eg, systemic hypertension, diabetes, cerebral ischemia, and aging). This review will discuss the role of PGHS-dependent modulation of vascular function in a number of vascular beds (systemic, pulmonary, cerebral, and uterine) with an emphasis on vascular pathophysiology. Moreover, the specific contributions of the different isoforms (PGHS-1 and PGHS-2) are discussed. Understanding the role of PGHS in vascular function is of particular importance because they are the targets of the commonly used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), which include aspirin and ibuprofen. Importantly, with the advent of specific PGHS-2 inhibitors for treatment of conditions such as chronic inflammatory disease, it is an opportune time to review the data regarding PGHS-dependent modulation of vascular function.
|
Authors | S T Davidge |
Journal | Circulation research
(Circ Res)
Vol. 89
Issue 8
Pg. 650-60
(Oct 12 2001)
ISSN: 1524-4571 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 11597987
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
|
Chemical References |
- Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
- Prostaglandins
- Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
|
Topics |
- Animals
- Blood Vessels
(drug effects, enzymology)
- Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
(pharmacology)
- Endothelium, Vascular
(enzymology)
- Humans
- Microcirculation
(drug effects, physiology)
- Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
(metabolism)
- Prostaglandins
(metabolism)
- Vasoconstriction
(physiology)
- Vasodilation
(physiology)
- Vasomotor System
(drug effects, enzymology)
|