Hypothetical mechanism of prostaglandin E₁-induced bronchoconstriction

Abstract 

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.