Prostaglandin D2
Identifiers
CAS number	41598-07-6
PubChem	448457
MeSH	Prostaglandin+D2
IUPHAR ligand	1881
Properties
Molecular formula	C20H32O5
Molar mass	352.465 g/mol
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Prostaglandin D₂ (or PGD₂) is a prostaglandin that binds to the receptor PTGDR, as well as CRTH2.^[1][2] It is a major prostaglandin produced by mast cells – recruits Th2 cells, eosinophils, and basophils. In mammalian organs, large amounts of PGD₂ are found only in the brain and in mast cells. It is critical to development of allergic diseases such as asthma.

Research carried out in 1989^[3] found PGD₂ is the primary mediator of vasodilation (the "niacin flush") after ingestion of niacin (nicotinic acid).

A 2012 research paper indicates a causal link between elevated levels of localized prostaglandin D₂ and hair loss.^[4] Applied topically, the research found PGD2 prevents hair growth, and mice that were genetically inclined to produce higher levels of PGD2 had inhibited hair growth. The research also found PGD2 levels were much higher in balding scalp tissue than nonbalding scalp tissue. The paper suggested one of the receptors involved in production of PGD2, GPR44, would therefore be a therapeutic targets for androgenic alopecia in both men and women with hair loss and thinning.^[5]

Because PGD2's relation to asthma has been known for several years, several drugs that seek to reduce PGD2 levels through blocking the GPR44 level are already in clinical trials.^[5]

Effects[link]

• PGD2 causes a contraction of the bronchial airways. Its concentration in asthma patients is 10 times higher than in control patients, especially after it is brought into contact with allergens.
• It is involved in the regulation of reducing body temperature in sleep, and acts opposite to prostaglandin E2.
• It causes vasodilation.
• Elevated levels of PGD₂ and prostaglandin D₂ synthase in scalp hair follicles may be partially responsible for male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).^[4]

See also[link]

• Prostaglandin D₂ synthase

References[link]

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