Prostaglandin analogue
Encyclopedia
Synthetic prostaglandin analogues are molecules which are manufactured to bind to a prostaglandin receptor
.
Wider use of prostaglandin analogues is limited by unwanted side effects and their abortive
potential.
Prostaglandin receptor
There are currently ten known prostaglandin receptors on various cell types. Prostaglandins bind to a subfamily of cell surface seven-transmembrane receptors, G-protein-coupled receptors.These receptors are named:* DP1-2 - DP1, DP2 receptors...
.
Wider use of prostaglandin analogues is limited by unwanted side effects and their abortive
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
potential.
Uses
- Prostaglandin analogues such as misoprostolMisoprostolMisoprostol is a drug that is used for the prevention of non steroidal anti inflammatory drug induced gastric ulcers, for early abortion, to treat missed miscarriage, and to induce labor. The latter use is controversial in the United States. Misoprostol was invented and marketed by G.D...
are used in treatment of duodenalDuodenumThe duodenum is the first section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms anterior intestine or proximal intestine may be used instead of duodenum...
and gastric ulcersPeptic ulcerA peptic ulcer, also known as PUD or peptic ulcer disease, is the most common ulcer of an area of the gastrointestinal tract that is usually acidic and thus extremely painful. It is defined as mucosal erosions equal to or greater than 0.5 cm...
. They exert antisecretory and cytoprotective properties and are especially indicated for the elderly on continuous doses of NSAIDs.
- Prostaglandin analogues can also be used in the management of open-angle glaucomaGlaucomaGlaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve suffers damage, permanently damaging vision in the affected eye and progressing to complete blindness if untreated. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye...
. They reduce intra-ocular pressure by enhancing uveoscleral outflow and may also have some effect on the trabecular meshworkTrabecular meshworkThe trabecular meshwork is an area of tissue in the eye located around the base of the cornea, near the ciliary body, and is responsible for draining the aqueous humor from the eye via the anterior chamber .The tissue is spongy and lined by trabeculocytes; it allows fluid to drain into a set of...
as well. LatanoprostLatanoprostLatanoprost ophthalmic solution is a topical medication used for controlling the progression of glaucoma or ocular hypertension by reducing intraocular pressure...
, travoprostTravoprostTravoprost ophthalmic solution is a topical medication used for controlling the progression of glaucoma or ocular hypertension, by reducing intraocular pressure. It is a synthetic prostaglandin analog that works by increasing the outflow of aqueous fluid from the eyes...
, unoprostoneUnoprostoneUnoprostone is a prostaglandin analogue. Its isopropyl ester, unoprostone isopropyl, is marketed under the trade name Rescula for the management of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.-References:*...
and bimatoprostBimatoprostBimatoprost is a prostaglandin analog/prodrug used topically to control the progression of glaucoma and in the management of ocular hypertension. It reduces intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous fluid from the eyes...
are examples of prostaglandin analogues used in the management of open-angle glaucoma. In some countries such as Australia, they are now considered first line agents in open-angle glaucoma (rather than beta blockerBeta blockerBeta blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-adrenergic antagonists, beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists or beta antagonists, are a class of drugs used for various indications. They are particularly for the management of cardiac arrhythmias, cardioprotection after myocardial infarction ,...
s)