Description
Epoprostenol is a naturally occurring prostaglandin indicated for the preservation of platelet function during cardiopulmonary bypass, prevention of platelet aggregation during charcoal hemoperfusion of patients in hepatic failure, and as an alternative to heparin during renal dialysis.
Chemical Properties
Epoprostenol is white crystalline powder
Originator
Burroughs Wellcome (United Kingdom)
Uses
Prostaglandin I2 sodium salt has been used:
- in the preparation of stock solution for platelet washing procedure
- as supplement in platelet-rich-plasma, for platelet preparation
- to prevent platelet activation
Uses
Epoprostenol is an Eicosanoid which prevents the formation of platelet plugs and is an effective vasodilator.
Manufacturing Process
Preparation of prostacyclin:
Pig aortas were stripped of adventitia, snap frozen in liquid nitrogen, crushed
into a fine powder, resuspended in 0.05 M Tris buffer (pH 7.5) (1:4, w:v) andhomogenised at high speed in a Polytron (KIMENATIC, LUCERNE,
SWITZERLAND) homogenizer. The homogenate was centrifuged for 15 min
and the resulting supernatant centrifuged again for 5 min. The pellet was
discarded, while the pellet obtained after centrifugation of the supernatant
was resuspended in deionized water and lyophilized. An average yield of 150
mg of aortic microsomal powder (51% protein) per 100 g of aortic tissue was
obtained.
Brand name
Flolan (GlaxoSmithKline);CYCLO-PROSTIN.
Therapeutic Function
Platelet aggregation inhibitor, Antimetastatic
Biological Activity
Epoprostenol is a potent agonist at IP prostanoid receptors. Inhibits platelet aggregation and induces vasodilation.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Prostacyclin therapy improves hemodynamics in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
storage
Desiccate at -80°C
