64072-89-5

Prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) is one of the five primary enzymatic prostaglandins derived directly from PGH₂. PGD₂ is produced abundantly in the CSF by the lipocalin-type PGD synthase, and in the periphery by myeloid cells including mast cells and basophils by a second, hematopoietic-type PGD synthase. PGD₂ is chemically unstable, and its use and analysis is complicated by its short in vivo half-life. Δ¹²-PGD₂ is one of the initial chemical decomposition products of PGD₂. Δ¹²-PGD₂ is an intermediate in the pathway leading to Δ¹²-PGJ₂, which is a cyclopentenone prostaglandin with antimitotic and carcinogenic activities. The metabolism of Δ¹²-PGD₂ involves addition of thiol nucleophiles, as is the case with the majority of cyclopentenone prostaglandins.