Prostaglandin E2 receptor subtypes in human blood and vascular cells

Prostaglandin E2 is produced in inflammatory responses via the cyclooxygenase pathway and regulates a variety of physiological and pathological reactions through four different receptor subtypes; EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4. The role of the classical prostanoid receptors stimulated by prostaglandin I2 and thromboxane A2 in the blood circulation has been largely studied, whereas the other receptors such as EP activated by prostaglandin E2, have been recently shown to be also implicated. There is now increasing evidence suggesting an important role of EP3 and EP4 receptor subtypes in the control of the human vascular tone and remodeling of the vascular wall as well in platelet aggregation and thrombosis. These receptors are implicated in vascular homeostasis and in the development of some pathological situations, such as atherosclerosis, aneurysms and hypertension. The use of specific EP agonists/antagonists would provide a novel cardiovascular therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss the role of prostaglandin E2 receptors in the control of human blood and vascular cells.