| [ Summary ] |
Prostaglandins(PGs), which are metabolites of arachidonic acid, exert a variety of biological actions in the body. PGS act on cell surface receptors which are specific for particular actions. PGE receptors are subdivided into four subtypes, EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4. Recently, cellular localization and some functions of these subtypes in the gastrointestinal tract have been clarified. In the stomach, PGE2 regulates acid secretion via EP3/EP4 receptors on parietal cells, and mucous secretion via EP4 receptors on mucous producing cells. On the other hand, the role of these receptors in pathophysiological conditions such as peptic ulcers is still unclear. |