Prostaglandin D2 Dopamine

Prostaglandin D2 , the major eicosanoid product of mast cells in the immune system, is also produced in the brain where it is involved in sleep regulatory mechanisms. Further pharmacological actions include inhibition of platelet aggregation, relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, and regulation of reproductive development. Dopamine-containing neurons in the brain are involved in reward-motivated behavior, motor control, and hormone release. Peripheral, paracrine actions of dopamine include the control of vasodilation, sodium excretion, insulin production, gastrointestinal motility, and the activity of lymphocytes. Catecholamines are known to stimulate prostanoid synthesis by acting as co-substrates. PGD2 dopamine is a conjugate of the neurotransmitter dopmaine and PGD2. It can be used to study the biological function of PGD2 in the brain and periphery.