prostaglandin D2

Introduction

PGD2 is the most abundant prostaglandin in brain.

Function

• in the brain PGD2
  • regulates sleep
    • participates in the induction of non-REM sleep
  • regulates temperature
  • regulates nociception
  • may have an anti-apoptotic role in oligodendrocytes
• in peripheral tissues, PGD2
  • promotes vasodilatation
  • promotes bronchoconstriction
  • mediates allergic reactions
  • inhibits platelet aggregation
  • reduces intraocular pressure
• PGD2 signals through 2 G protein-coupled receptors
  • PTGDR1 (DP1) - linked to Gs
  • CRTH2 (DP2) - linked to Gi

* PGH2 is the initial product of COX activity.

Pharmacokinetics

• PGD2 is formed from PGH2* by two distinct PGD synthases
  • the lipocalin-type synthase (L-PGDS)
  • the glutathione-dependent hematopoietic PGD synthase (H-PGDS)
• PGD2 levels increase markedly with excess glutamate release (i.e. seizures, ischemia) via increased COX-2 activity
• metabolized to 15dPDJ2

More general terms

• prostaglandin D
• arachidonate; arachidonic acid [C20:4w6, ARA]

Additional terms

• arachidonate cyclooxygenase cascade

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=453447
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=448457
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=38909
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=4956