Dictionary > Prostaglandin F2-alpha

Prostaglandin F2-alpha

Definition
noun, plural: prostaglandins F
A biologically active prostaglandin that forms when the intermediate prostaglandin H2 reacts with aldose reductase, has a chemical formula of C20H34O5, and can react with and activate prostaglandin F receptors (FPs) leading to the contraction of certain smooth muscle tissues, such as the uterus
Supplement
Prostaglandin is an eicosanoid that is derived from unsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, through the cyclooxygenase pathway. There are several prostaglandins and they are designated by appending a letter, i.e. from A to I, to indicate the type of substituents found on the hydrocarbon skeleton. There are four major types of prostaglandins produced biosynthetically: prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostacyclin (PGI2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and prostaglandin F (PGF).
PGF series is a group of prostaglandins. An example is prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF) naturally produced in the body, e.g. by uterus, airways, eyes, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Just like the other prostaglandins, PGFs are derived from arachidonic acid and then reacts with cyclooxygenase receptors (particularly, COX-1 and COX-2) to produce prostaglandin H2 (prostaglandin intermediate). When prostaglandin H2 reacts with aldose reductase (AKR1B1), PGF) is formed.
PGF has a chemical formula of C20H34O5. When PGF reacts with prostaglandin F receptors (FPs), it causes contraction of certain smooth muscle tissues, such as uterus. Thus, it is involved in bronchoconstriction and uterine contraction.
As a medication, PGF is used to induce labor. In higher dosage, PGF) acts as an abortifacient. It causes pregnancy termination since it acts on the corpus luteum, causing luteolysis or the degradation of the corpus luteum.
Abbreviation/Acronym:

  • PGF

Chemical formula:

  • C20H34O5
  • See also:

    Related term(s):

  • Prostaglandin f2a tromethamine
  • Prostaglandin-f synthase


  • You will also like...

    Thermographic image of face and neck
    Regulation of Organic Metabolism, Growth and Energy Balance

    The human body is capable of regulating growth and energy balance through various feedback mechanisms. Get to know the e..

    Endemic Flora of New Zealand
    New Zealand’s Unique Flora

    If New Zealand has lots of unique animals, it's also got a whole lot of unique plants. Find out more about some of them,..

    A sperm cell fertilizing an ovum
    Human Reproduction and Fertilization

    For human species to obviate extinction, reproductive mature adults should be producing viable offspring in order to con..

    Community Patterns

    Learn about community patterns and the ecological factors influencing these patterns. Revisit some of the ecosystems you..

    Pink Lotus plant on a pond
    Freshwater Lentic Communities & Animals

    This tutorial looks at some of the communities in freshwater lentic habitats. For instance, symbiosis occurs in a commun..

    running freshwater community
    Running Water Freshwater Community Factors

    This tutorial noted some of the physical and chemical factors that provide the framework of a running water community in..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics