Clinical Implications of Prostaglandin and Thromboxane A₂Formation

(Second of Two Parts)Eicosanoids in the Regulation of the Circulation and of Renal FunctionThe circulation is controlled by many distinct but interrelated regulatory mechanisms, including sympathetic tone, the renin–angiotensin axis, and the ability of the kidneys to excrete sodium. Knowledge of the role of prostaglandins has been derived from experiments that define the chemical nature of the eicosanoids released in response to a specific stimulus, that assess the effects of the addition of individual prostaglandins in a test system, or that measure the effect of blockade of prostaglandin synthesis on a response. In circumstances in which deductions are . . .