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Possible role of prostaglandins in the regulation of coronary blood flow

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Summary

Prostaglandins may represent one group of local chemical factors that control coronary perfusion and adapt it to the metabolic demands of the heart. Present study summarizes the current knowledge in this field with particular reference to prostacyclin (PGI2). The major biosynthetic pathways and their modification by drugs are briefly outlined. The sources and fates of cardiac prostaglandins are described and possible mechanisms of action discussed in both physiological and pathophysiological (myocardial ischemia) situations. Attention is focussed on the interplay between catecholamines, adenosine and PGI2. A model is presented, based on the hypothesis that adenosine from myocardial metabolism and PGI2 from vascular sites are acting in concert to antagonize sympathetic metabolic and vasoconstrictory influences and to maintain an adequate blood supply to the heart.

Zusammenfassung

Prostaglandine können als eine Gruppe chemischer Substanzen angesehen werden, die lokal entstehen und die koronare Perfusion an die Stoffwechselerfordernisse des Herzens anpassen. Vorliegende Arbeit gibt eine Zusammenfassung des heutigen Wissensstandes auf diesem Gebiet unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von Prostacyclin (PGI2). Neben Biosynthese und Metabolismus sowie ihrer Beeinflussung durch Pharmaka werden kardiale und koronare Wirkungen von PGI2 beschrieben und mögliche Wirkungsmechanismen der Substanz unter physiologischen und pathophysiologischen (myokardiale Ischämie) Bedingungen diskutiert. Im Mittelpunkt stehen Wechselwirkungen zwischen PGI2, Adenosin und Katecholaminen und ihre möglichen Konsequenzen für die Regulation des koronaren Tonus. Hierzu wird ein Modell vorgestellt, bei dem die direkt-vasokonstriktorischen und stoffwechselsteigernden Katecholaminwirkungen durch Bildung von PGI2 im Gefäßbereich und Adenosin im Herzmuskelstoffwechsel funktionell antagonisiert werden.

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  1. Pharmakologisches Institut der Universität Köln, Gleueler Straße 24, 5000, Köln 41, West Germany

    K. Schrör

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Schrör, K. Possible role of prostaglandins in the regulation of coronary blood flow. Basic Res Cardiol 76, 239–249 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01907769

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