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 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).
Hayaishi, O. Sleep-wake regulation by prostaglandins D2 and E2. J Biol Chem26314593-14596(1988).
Kobzar, G., Mardla, V., Järving, I., et al. Comparison of the inhibitory effect of E-prostaglandins in human and rabbit platelet-rich plasma and washed platelets. Comp Biochem Physiol106(2)489-494(1993).
Giles, H., and Leff, P. The biology and pharmacology of PGD2. Prostaglandins35277-300(1988).
Ogorochi, T., Narumiya, S., Mizuno, N., et al. Regional distribution of prostaglandins D2, E2, and F2α and related enzymes in postmortem human brain. J Neurochem4371-82(1984).
Kikuchi, Y., Kita, T., Hirata, J., et al. Preclinical studies of antitumor prostaglandins by using human ovarian cancer cells. Cancer Metastasis Rev13309-315(1994).
Onoe, H., Ueno, R., Fujita, I., et al. Prostaglandin D2, a cerebral sleep-inducing substance in monkeys. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA854082-4086(1988).
Roberts, L.J., and Sweetman, B.J. Metabolic fate of endogenously synthesized prostaglandin D2 in a human female with mastocytosis. Prostaglandins30383-400(1985).