Prostaglandins

The prostaglandins (PGs), a group of local hormones that are synthesized and released immediately by most cells in the body, influence a wide range of physiological and pathophysiological actions. This article looks at points at which they participate in stress and contribute to the pathology of the response as a whole. No less important is the fact that the corticosteroids, the mainstream stress hormones, are powerful inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. Thus, at the same time that it is responding to stress, the body is geared to control any damage resulting from the effects of PGs. © 2007