PROSTACYCLIN Meaning and
Definition
-
Prostacyclin, also known as prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), is a potent hormone-like substance derived from arachidonic acid. It belongs to the family of prostaglandins, which are lipid compounds involved in various physiological processes in the body. Prostacyclin acts as a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels, particularly the arteries, leading to an overall reduction in blood pressure.
This bioactive molecule, produced within the walls of blood vessels, exerts multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. It prevents the formation of blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation and adhesion, thereby promoting blood flow and preventing the occurrence of arterial blockages. Prostacyclin also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits the smooth muscle cell proliferation that can lead to arterial wall thickening and atherosclerosis.
The hormone is predominantly synthesized by the cells lining the blood vessels, especially those in the endothelium, but is also produced in other tissues such as the lungs and the kidneys. However, the overall production of prostacyclin is limited, and its effects are often counteracted by thromboxane A2, another prostaglandin with opposing functions. This balance between prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 is important for maintaining proper vascular homeostasis and preventing abnormal clot formation.
Prostacyclin is widely used in clinical medicine as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Synthetic analogs of prostacyclin, such as epoprostenol, have been developed to provide continuous administration of the hormone to patients with PAH, improving their exercise capacity and overall quality of life.
Common Misspellings for PROSTACYCLIN
- orostacyclin
- lrostacyclin
- -rostacyclin
- 0rostacyclin
- peostacyclin
- pdostacyclin
- pfostacyclin
- ptostacyclin
- p5ostacyclin
- p4ostacyclin
- pristacyclin
- prkstacyclin
- prlstacyclin
- prpstacyclin
- pr0stacyclin
- pr9stacyclin
- proatacyclin
- proztacyclin
- proxtacyclin
- prodtacyclin
Etymology of PROSTACYCLIN
The word "prostacyclin" is derived from two components: "prostacyclic" and "in".
The term "prostacyclic" is derived from "prosta-" referring to "prostaglandin", and "-cyclic" indicating a cyclic structure. Prostaglandins are a group of lipid compounds that have hormone-like effects in the body.
The suffix "-in" in "prostacyclin" indicates that it is a substance or compound. The word "prostacyclin" was specifically coined to refer to a specific prostaglandin compound identified as a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
