Role of PGE2 in Blood Pressure Regulation

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) participates in blood pressure (BP) regulation through diverse mechanisms involving different tissues and different receptor subtypes. In general, PGE2 functions as a natriuretic factor in the kidney, promoting sodium excretion via inhibition of sodium transport in the distal nephron. On the other hand, PGE2 is a vasoactive agent capable of modulating vascular tone. PGE2 is a product of prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) and its biologic action is mediated by four EP receptors EP1-4 which exhibit distinct vasoactive properties. The best characterized PGES is microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), a viable target for the next generation of analgesic drugs. The review will focus on recent advances in understanding the roles of mPGES-1 and EP receptors in BP regulation.