Prostaglandin H2 (PGH2)

Prostaglandin H2 is a type of Prostaglandin which is derived from arachidonic acid and is a precursor for many other biologically. Prostaglandins are members of a group of lipid compounds that are derived enzymatically from essential fatty acids (EFAs) and have important functions in the animal body. Every prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5-carbon ring.

Prostaglandin name derives from the prostate gland. When prostaglandins were first isolated from seminal fluid in 1935 by the Swedish physiologist Ulf von Euler and independently by M.W. Goldblatt, it was believed to be part of the prostatic secretions. Later it was shown that many other tissues secrete prostaglandins for various functions. In 1971, it was determined that aspirin-like drugs could inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins.