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

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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.