Prostaglandin E and F receptors in the uterus

Abstract

Prostaglandins (PGs) are necessary for normal female reproduction. PGs act via their respective receptors and execute various functions in their target tissues depending on which type of receptor being activated. PG receptors are G-protein coupled receptors mediating various vital processes in the uterus throughout the reproductive cycle and pregnancy. They are essential for the normal functioning of uterine endometrium, myometrium and cervix. In this mini review, we explore the expression, functions and regulations of EP1-4 and FP in uterus. Recent reports show that PG receptors are regulated spatio-temporally in endometrium throughout the reproductive cycle. In myometrium, EPs and FP are differentially expressed and have prominent roles in the contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle. In the cervix, PG receptors are essential for normal cervical ripening. PG receptors are important in several reproductive functions including reproductive cyclicity, embryo implantation, embryo spacing, uterine contraction or relaxation, and cervical ripening. Flawed regulation or signaling by PG receptors lead to many pathological conditions of the female reproductive tract such as dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, endometriosis, cancer and pre-term or post-term pregnancies. Although several studies have shown the expression of PG receptors in different cell types of the uterus, we still do not fully understand their functions in different cell types, how they are regulated and their implications in normal health and diseases. Better understanding of the PG receptor signaling mechanism would offer valuable insight that could be used for diagnosis and therapy.