Prostaglandin F2α ethanolamide (PGF2α-EA) is produced by COX-2 metabolism of the endogenous cannabinoid, arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA), found in brain, liver, and other mammalian tissues. AEA can be metabolized directly by the sequential action of COX-2 and specific PG synthases to produce ethanolamide congeners of the classical PGs. PGF2α-EA has also been reported to be biosynthesized by this mechanism when AEA was infused into the lung and liver of living mice. PGF2α-EA is a potent dilator (EC50 = 58 nM) of the cat iris sphincter, which is a model system for testing potential intraocular hypotensive agents.
