prostaglandin

American  

[pros-tuh-glan-din] / ˌprɒs təˈglæn dɪn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. any of a class of unsaturated fatty acids that are involved in the contraction of smooth muscle, the control of inflammation and body temperature, and many other physiological functions.

2. Pharmacology. any commercial preparation of this substance.

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prostaglandin British  

/ ˌprɒstəˈɡlændɪn /

noun

1. any of a group of potent hormone-like compounds composed of essential fatty acids and found in all mammalian tissues, esp human semen. Prostaglandins stimulate the muscles of the uterus and affect the blood vessels; they are used to induce abortion or birth

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prostaglandin Scientific  

/ prŏs′tə-glăn′dĭn /

1. Any of a group of substances that are derived from fatty acids and have a wide range of effects in the body. Prostaglandins influence the contraction of the muscles lining many internal organs and can lower or raise blood pressure.

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Etymology

Origin of prostaglandin

First recorded in 1935–40; prosta(te) + gland ¹ + -in ²

Example Sentences

"But this research shows that, at normal biological levels, small increases in prostaglandin E2 can promote regeneration."

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

The researchers were able to show that prostaglandin E2 binds to EP2 and EP4, two receptors on the surface of certain immune cells.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024

"We suspect that even the body's own IL-2 signals may be sufficient to enable T cells to successfully fight cancer once the effects of prostaglandin E2 have been stopped," says Sebastian Kobold.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024

"Current treatment approaches would probably be more effective if the effects of prostaglandin E2 on stem-like T cells is blocked to enable their unhindered differentiation within tumor tissue," says Sebastian Kobold.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024

Previous research hinted that a type of prostaglandin made in response to viral infection called PGE2 could travel via the blood to interact with cells in the brain.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 8, 2023