Prostaglandin Analysis

Prostaglandins (PGs) are a group of lipid compounds with hormone-like effects that have various physiological activities in animals. Prostaglandins are enzymatically derived from fatty acids. A prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5-carbon ring. Prostaglandins are a subfamily of eicosanoids and prostanoid fatty acid derivatives. There are two derivatives of prostaglandins: prostacyclin and thromboxane. Prostacyclin is a potent local vasodilator that can inhibit platelet aggregation. Through its role in vasodilation, prostacyclin also plays an important role in inflammation. Prostacyclin is typically synthesized in the walls of blood vessels and has physiological functions that prevent unnecessary thrombosis and regulate smooth muscle tissue contraction. In contrast, thromboxane is a vasoconstrictor that aids in platelet aggregation, and its name derives from its role in clot formation (thrombosis).

Prostaglandins have been found in almost all tissues and organs in humans and other animals. They are produced by almost all nucleated cells. Prostaglandins act as autocrine and paracrine lipid mediators on endothelial cells, platelets, the uterus, and mast cells. Prostaglandins are typically synthesized in cells from essential fatty acids (EFAs). Diacylglycerol is converted into the intermediate arachidonic acid by phospholipase A2, which then enters either the lipoxygenase pathway or the cyclooxygenase pathway. The lipoxygenase pathway is active in leukocytes and macrophages and synthesizes leukotrienes. The cyclooxygenase pathway produces prostacyclin, thromboxane, and prostaglandins D, E, and F.

Prostaglandin Analysis

Ten typical prostaglandin receptors are known for different cell types. Prostaglandins bind to a subclass of seven transmembrane receptors on the cell surface called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors are known as DP1-2, EP1-4, FP, IP1-2, and TP, corresponding to the receptors that bind specific prostaglandins.

These different receptors mean that prostaglandins act on a wide range of cells and have various effects, such as causing contraction or dilation of vascular smooth muscle cells, inducing or inhibiting platelet aggregation, sensitizing spinal neurons to pain, inducing labor, lowering intraocular pressure, regulating inflammation, regulating calcium movement, regulating hormones, and controlling cell growth.

BiotechPack provides a reliable, fast, and cost-effective prostaglandin analysis service based on a highly stable, repeatable, and sensitive system for separation, characterization, identification, and quantification analysis combined with LC-MS/MS.

BiotechPack can provide analysis of the following prostaglandins

1. PGE2
2. PGF2α
3. 6-keto-PGF1α
4. PGD2
5. TXB2
6. 12-HHT

Related Services

Targeted Lipidomics
Untargeted Lipidomics
Lipid Metabolomics Research
Eicosanoid Analysis
Leukotriene Analysis Service
Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acids (HETEs) Analysis