Prostacyclin

Prostacyclin is a naturally occurring hormone-like substance in the body, primarily produced by the lining of the walls of blood vessels. The primary function of prostacyclin is to help regulate blood pressure by inhibiting the contraction of smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels, which would otherwise cause the vessel to become narrower and raise blood pressure. It also helps prevent the formation of damaging clots in the vessels by blocking platelet aggregation. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and anti-fibrotic properties which makes it beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Prostacyclin is available in injectable and inhaled forms, and has been approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and coronary artery diseases, as well as ulcerative colitis, and other conditions.