Pathway: Prostacyclin signalling through prostacyclin receptor

Authored: Akkerman, JW, 2009-06-03

Edited: Jupe, S, 2010-06-07

Prostacyclin (PGI2) is continuously produced by healthy vascular endothelial cells. It inhibits platelet activation through interaction with the Gs-coupled receptor PTGIR, leading to increased cAMP, a consequent increase in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity which prevents increases of cytoplasmic [Ca2+] necessary for activation (Woulfe et al. 2001). PGI2 is also an effective vasodilator. These effects oppose the effects of thromboxane (TXA2), another eicosanoid, creating a balance of blood circulation and platelet activation.

References:

• Human prostacyclin receptor structure and function from naturally-occurring and synthetic mutations Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 82:95-108 [PubMed]
• ADP and platelets: the end of the beginning J Clin Invest 107:1503-5 [PubMed]