Prostaglandins, known for therir potent
physiological properties, belong to a
subclass of lipids known as the
eicosanoids because of their structural
similarities to the C-20 polyunsaturated
fatty acids, the eicosanoic acids.
The variability of the side chain
composition of the various
prostaglandins is responsible for
the immense diversity of effects.
Prostaglandins differ from
hormones in that they act
locally, near their site of
synthesis, and they are
metabolized very rapidly.
Specific tissues respond
differently to the same
prostaglandin. |
