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The prostaglandins are a unique series of compounds, ubiquitous in distribution, widely varying in pharmacologic effects, and of unknown physiologic significance. The large and continuing interest in their potential roles in reproductive biology has now spread to a consideration of prostaglandin effect throughout the body. This collection of review articles is intended to bring together hypotheses and data about prostaglandin research in apparently unrelated fields.
The greatest emphasis is given to the effects and uses of prostaglandins in reproduction in the subhuman primate and in man. Karim presents a reasonably balanced appraisal of their effectiveness as abortifacients, although he is perhaps more of an enthusiast than current data would permit. Three other reviews summarize current knowledge of prostaglandin pharmacology in relation to the cardiovascular system and kidney, the gastrointestinal system, and lung.
The chapter on prostaglandins and platelet aggregation contributes little, and the chapter on chemistry is written inappropriately for