Although prostaglandin El (PGE ) has been clinically available for a long 1 time, only in recent years has its effectiveness in peripheral arterial occlusive disease been confirmed in controlled studies. Not surprisingly, the favour able results achieved both in patients with critical limb ischaemia and in those with intermittent claudication has stimulated research activities into the clinical pharmacology of this prostaglandin. As a consequence of these efforts, exciting new findings have revealed that PGE has anti thrombotic , endothelium-stabilizing and leucocyte-stabi 1 lizing properties as well as effects on lipid metabolism, all of which, quite apart from its well-known anti-aggregating and vasodilator effects, may add to the clinical efficacy of the substance. New data have also been gathered on the metabolism of PGE most b notably the detection of 13,14-dihydro-PGE a metabolite which was b recently isolated in humans following the administration of PGE . Being 1 biologically active, the pharmacodynamic spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-PGE 1 very closely resembles that of PGE . This finding may help to explain the 1 efficacy of PGE despite its rapid metabolization when given intravenously.

Cellular Sites of Action of Prostaglandins in the Cardiovascular System

On the Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of Prostaglandin E1 Administered by Intra-arterial or Intravenous Infusions
Actions of PGE1 PGE0 and 15-keto-PGE1 on Vessel Tone In Vitro
13,14-dihydro-PGE1 (PGE0) but not 15-keto-PGE1 is a Potent Inhibitor of Human Platelet and Neutrophil Activation
Comparable Inhibitory Action of PGE1 and 13-14-dihydro-PGE1 on Smooth Muscle Cell Activity and Extracellular Matrix Production
PGE1 and 13,14-dihydro-PGE1 Increase Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptors and Improve Arterial Wall Lipid Metabolism
Effect of Intra-arterial and Intravenous Application of Prostaglandin E1 on Neutrophil Function in Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease
A Comparison of Different Dosages of Intra-arterial and Intravenous Administered Prostaglandin E1 in Healthy Volunteers
Transcutaneous Oxygen Pressure at Different Dosages of Intravenous Prostaglandin E1 in Patients with Severe Arterial Occlusive Disease: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Transcutaneous PO2 During Intra-arterial and Intravenous PGE1 Infusion in Patients with Critical Limb Ischaemia
Effects of Intravenous PGE1 on Blood Flow and Microcirculation: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Patients with Critical Limb Ischaemia
Therapeutic Efficacy of Intravenous Prostaglandin E1 Versus Pentoxifylline in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Adjuvant Intravenous PGE1 Treatment After Profundaplasty for Limb Salvage.