Hypothetical mechanism of prostaglandin E1-induced bronchoconstriction.

In general, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is thought to relax smooth muscles in the airway and to inhibit muscle constriction. We hypothesized that, under the specific conditions, PGE1 induces bronchoconstriction, resulting in the promotion of inflammation. Examples of the specific conditions where this mechanism may occur include cases where patient who are susceptible to inflammation receive a continuous infusion of PGE1 during induced hypotension or during treatment for intraoperatively abnormal hypertension.