Prostaglandins are a family of important chemicals involved in a variety
of biological regulatory functions and are found in most biological tissues.
The name is derived from the fact that the original members of the series
were derived from the prostate gland (in sheep).
Structurally, they are a C20 system containing a cyclopentane
unit, a carboxylic acid functional group and -OH groups at C11 and C15.
They are divided into series A, B, C, D, E and F depending on the cyclopentane
substituents.
Aspirin is known to inhibit an enzyme involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis
so lowering the prostaglandin levels in the body and as a result, lowering
pain and inflammation.
They are biosynthesised is from C20fatty acids, such as arachidonic
acid, which in turn are formed from linoleic acid.
