Prostaglandin I 2 (PGI2) is an unstable cyclooxygenase metabolite detected first in vascular endothelial cells.1,2,3 It elevates platelet cAMP and is a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of human platelet aggregation with an IC50 of 5 nM.4 PGI2 is stable in basic buffers (pH=8), but it is rapidly hydrolyzed to 6-keto PGF1α in neutral or acidic solutions. The half-life is short both in vivo and in vitro, ranging from 30 seconds to a few minutes. PGI2 is administered by continuous infusion in humans for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.5
1
Moncada, S., Gryglewski, R., Bunting, S., et al. An enzyme isolated from arteries transforms prostaglandin endoperoxides to an unstable substance that inhibits platelet aggregation. Nature263663-665(1976).
2
Johnson, R.A., Morton, D.R., Kinner, J.H., et al. The chemical structure of prostaglandin X (prostacyclin). Prostaglandins12915-928(1976).
3
Stehle, R.G. Physical chemistry, stability, and handling of prostaglandins E2, F2α, D2 and I2: A critical summary. Methods Enzymol86436-459(1982).
4
Aristoff, P.A., Johnson, P.D., and Harrison, A.W. Synthesis of 9-substituted carbacyclin analogues. J Org Chem485341-5348(1983).
5
McLaughlin, V.V., Genthner, D.E., Panella, M.M., et al. Reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance with long-term epoprostenol (prostacyclin) therapy in primary pulmonary hypertension. N Engl J Med338273-277(1998).
Synonyms
Prostacyclin
Epoprostenol
PGI2
Formal Name
6,9α-epoxy-11α,15S-dihydroxy-prosta-5Z,13E-dien-1-oic acid, monosodium salt
CAS Number
61849-14-7
Molecular Formula
C20H31O5 · Na
Formula Weight
374.5
Formulation
A crystalline solid
Purity
>99%
Stability
1 year
Storage
-20°C
Shipping
Wet ice
in continental US; may vary elsewhere
SMILES
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CCCCCC(O)/C=C/[C@H]1C(O)CC2O/C(=C\CCCC)/CC12
Background Reading
Johnson, R.A., Morton, D.R., Kinner, J.H., et al. The chemical structure of prostaglandin X (prostacyclin). Prostaglandins12915-928(1976).
Moncada, S., Gryglewski, R., Bunting, S., et al. An enzyme isolated from arteries transforms prostaglandin endoperoxides to an unstable substance that inhibits platelet aggregation. Nature263663-665(1976).
Moncada, S. Biology and therapeutic potential of prostacyclin. Stroke14157-168(1983).
Stehle, R.G. Physical chemistry, stability, and handling of prostaglandins E2, F2α, D2 and I2: A critical summary. Methods Enzymol86436-459(1982).
Aristoff, P.A., Johnson, P.D., and Harrison, A.W. Synthesis of 9-substituted carbacyclin analogues. J Org Chem485341-5348(1983).
McLaughlin, V.V., Genthner, D.E., Panella, M.M., et al. Reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance with long-term epoprostenol (prostacyclin) therapy in primary pulmonary hypertension. N Engl J Med338273-277(1998).