Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is the major eicosanoid product of mast cells and is released in large quantities during allergic and asthmatic anaphylaxis.1 Mastocytosis patients produce excessive amounts of PGD2, which causes vasodilation, flushing, hypotension, and syncopal episodes.1 PGD2 is also produced in the brain via an alternative pathway involving a soluble, secreted PGD-synthase also known as β-trace.2,3 In the brain, PGD2 produces normal physiological sleep and lowering of body temperature.2,3 Further pharmacological actions include inhibition of platelet aggregation and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle.4 PGD2 inhibits human ovarian tumor cell proliferation with an IC50 value of 6.8 µM.5
1
Roberts, L.J., and Sweetman, B.J. Metabolic fate of endogenously synthesized prostaglandin D2 in a human female with mastocytosis. Prostaglandins30383-400(1985).
2
Hayaishi, O. Sleep-wake regulation by prostaglandins D2 and E2. J Biol Chem26314593-14596(1988).
3
Onoe, H., Ueno, R., Fujita, I., et al. Prostaglandin D2, a cerebral sleep-inducing substance in monkeys. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA854082-4086(1988).
4
Giles, H., and Leff, P. The biology and pharmacology of PGD2. Prostaglandins35277-300(1988).
5
Kikuchi, Y., Kita, T., Hirata, J., et al. Preclinical studies of antitumor prostaglandins by using human ovarian cancer cells. Cancer Metastasis Rev13309-315(1994).
Kikuchi, Y., Kita, T., Hirata, J., et al. Preclinical studies of antitumor prostaglandins by using human ovarian cancer cells. Cancer Metastasis Rev13309-315(1994).
Hayaishi, O. Sleep-wake regulation by prostaglandins D2 and E2. J Biol Chem26314593-14596(1988).
Roberts, L.J., and Sweetman, B.J. Metabolic fate of endogenously synthesized prostaglandin D2 in a human female with mastocytosis. Prostaglandins30383-400(1985).
Giles, H., and Leff, P. The biology and pharmacology of PGD2. Prostaglandins35277-300(1988).
Onoe, H., Ueno, R., Fujita, I., et al. Prostaglandin D2, a cerebral sleep-inducing substance in monkeys. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA854082-4086(1988).