Prostanoids and inflammatory pain

Prostanoids play pivotal roles in inflammation and pain. Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), depress prostanoid formation and are widely used to treat inflammatory pain. However, their therapeutic benefit is offset by serious side-effects, primarily gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications. Pathway elements downstream of the COX enzymes, particularly the terminal synthases and receptors of prostaglandin E2, have been proposed as alternative targets for the development of novel NSAID like drugs. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the roles of individual prostanoids in modulating inflammatory pain.

► This article reviews the roles of prostanoids in inflammatory pain hypersensitivity.
► Prostanoids increase the sensitivity of nociceptors in inflamed tissue.
► Prostanoids augment pain signal transmission in the spinal cord.
► mPGES-1, EP and IP receptors may be useful drug targets for the treatment of inflammatory pain.