noun
- A hormone-like substance produced by blood vessel cells that prevents blood clots and dilates blood vessels.
Usage: medical/biochemistry term; also called PGI2
Examples
- Prostacyclin is released by endothelial cells to inhibit platelet aggregation.
- The drug enhances prostacyclin production to treat pulmonary hypertension.
- Prostacyclin and thromboxane work in opposition to regulate blood clotting.
- Researchers studied how prostacyclin affects vascular function in patients with cardiovascular disease.
- Prostacyclin analogs are used therapeutically to improve blood flow in certain conditions.