Introduction to cardiovascular research on prostaglandins.

The prostaglandins have diverse cardiovascular effects, differing not only among themselves but also according to the organ affected and the species. Some of the pharmacological actions of the prostaglandins may have practical application in hypertensive crises, shock, peripheral vascular disease, and to maintain the patency of the ductus arteriosus in congenital heart malformations. They may play physiological roles as locally produced modulators or regulators of kidney function and blood flow to specific organs or tissues. Such roles are yet to be firmly established.