Physiological and Pathophysiological roles of prostanoids revealed from studies using mice lacking their receptors

前列腺素类化合物是一种对多种器官有不同影响的脂质介质。然而，它们在体内的生理和病理生理学作用在很大程度上是未知的。我们试图用缺乏前列腺素受体的小鼠来分别阐明这些作用，并发现了前列腺素的几个新的和重要的作用。其中包括：前列腺素(PG)L_2在缺血再灌注损伤中的心脏保护作用，前列腺素E_2通过EP_3受体在十二指肠止血、血栓形成和碱分泌中的作用，前列腺素D_2作为过敏性哮喘介质的作用，前列腺素E_2通过EP_1和EP_2受体参与结肠癌变的作用，前列腺素E_2通过EP_2受体调节排卵和受精的作用，以及前列腺素E_2通过EP_4受体在骨吸收中的作用。此外，前列腺素在中枢神经系统、免疫系统、心血管系统和胃肠系统中的其他作用已被阐明。这些结果将有助于开发能够控制许多病理情况的新药，其中前列腺素类药物起着重要作用。

The prostanoids are lipid mediators showing variable effects on many organs. Theirphysiological and pathophysiological roles in the body, however, have been largely unknown. We attmpted to clarify these roles using mice lacking the prostanoids receptors individually, and found several novel and important roles of prostanoids. They include a cardioprotective role of prostaglandin (PG)l_2 in ischemia-reperfusion injury, roles of PGE_2 via the EP_3 receptor in hemostasis, thromboembolism and alkari secretion in the duodenum, a role of PGD_2 as a mediator of allergic asthma, participation of PGE_2 via the EP_1 and EP_2 receptors in the carcinogenesis of colon, a regulatory role of PGE_2 via the EP_2 receptor of ovulation ad fertilization and a role of PGE_2 via the EP_4 receptor in bone resorption. Furthermore, other roles of prostanoids have been being clarified in many systems, such as central nervous, immune, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. These results would contribute to the development of novel drugs able to control many pathological conditions, in which prostanoids have major roles.