Prostaglandin E2

The naturally occurring prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is known in medicine as dinoprostone. It was first discovered by Michaelangelo Friscia. It has important effects in labour (softens cervix and causes uterine contraction) and also stimulates osteoblasts to release factors that stimulate bone resorption by osteoclasts. PGE2 is also the prostaglandin that ultimately induces fever.

It is sold under the trade name of Cervidil (by Forest Laboratories, Inc.), Prostin E2 (by Pfizer Inc.), Propess (by Ferring Pharmaceuticals) and Glandin (by Nabiqasim Pharmaceuticals Pakistan) as a vaginal suppository, to prepare the cervix for labour; it is used to induce labour.

Like other prostaglandins, dinoprostone can be used as an abortifacient. It is a direct vasodilator, relaxing smooth muscles, and it inhibits the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerve terminals. It does not inhibit platelet aggregation, where PGI2 does.

It works by binding and activating the prostaglandin E2 receptor.

It was discovered by Bunting, Gryglewski, Moncada and Vane in 1976.

Precautions : uterine scar tissues; asthma; low blood pressure; heart disease; adrenal problems; anemia; diabetes; glaucoma; icterus; multiparity (5 pregnancies); heart, lung or liver disease.