[Mechanisms of action of prostaglandin E1 in therapy of peripheral arterial occlusive diseases].

Mode of action of prostaglandin E1 in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Prostaglandin E1 has been used for the first time in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease 30 years ago. Although widely used, the exact mechanism of the known beneficial effects is not completely understood. A strong vasodilation is induced after intra-arterial administration of PGE1, but is not seen, when PGE1 is intravenously infused. Because of the clinical efficacy of intravenously given PGE1, vasodilation is not considered as important mode of action. Many effects of PGE1 has been described on cellular factors in the blood, hemostasis and fibrinolysis and endothelium. Some of these effects are discussed.