Prostaglandins

The prostaglandins (PG) are a group of physiologically active lipid compounds having diverse hormone-like effects in animals. They are connected to the metabolism of fatty acids. Prostaglandins have been found in almost every tissue in humans and other animals. They are derived enzymatically from the fatty acid arachidonic acid. Every prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5-carbon ring.

前列腺素（PG）是一类具有生理活性的脂类化合物，能在动物体内产生多样的类似激素的作用。它们与脂肪酸的代谢有关。前列腺素在人类和其他动物的几乎所有组织中都有发现。它们酶促来源于脂肪酸二十碳烯酸。每一种前列腺素都含有20个碳原子，包括一个5碳环。

The structural differences between prostaglandins account for their different biological activities. A given prostaglandin may have different and even opposite effects in different tissues in some cases. The ability of the same prostaglandin to stimulate a reaction in one tissue and inhibit the same reaction in another tissue is determined by the type of receptor to which the prostaglandin binds. They act as autocrine or paracrine factors with their target cells present in the immediate vicinity of the site of their secretion. Prostaglandins differ from endocrine hormones in that they are not produced at a specific site but in many places throughout the human body. Examples: kidney

前列腺素之间的结构差异决定了它们不同的生物学作用。在某些情况下，同一种前列腺素可能在不同组织中产生不同的甚至相反的效果。同一种前列腺素在一种组织中刺激某种反应，而在另一种组织中抑制相同反应的能力，取决于该前列腺素所结合的受体类型。它们作为自分泌或旁分泌因子起作用，其靶细胞位于分泌部位的附近。与内分泌激素不同，前列腺素并非在特定部位产生，而是在人体的许多部位产生。例子：肾脏

Prostaglandins are powerful, locally-acting vasodilators and inhibit the aggregation of blood platelets. Through their role in vasodilation, prostaglandins are also involved in inflammation. They are synthesized in the walls of blood vessels and serve the physiological function of preventing needless clot formation, as well as regulating the contraction of smooth muscle tissue.

前列腺素是强效的、局部作用的血管扩张剂，能抑制血小板聚集。通过其在血管扩张中的作用，前列腺素也参与炎症过程。它们在血管壁内合成，具有防止不必要的血凝块形成以及调节平滑肌组织收缩的生理功能。

Prostaglandins

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