prostacyclin Hear it!

prostacyclin Definition

pros·ta·cy·clin (präs′tə sī′klin)

noun

a derivative of prostaglandins that forms in the walls of blood vessels, prevents blood clots, and, usually, dilates blood vessels

Etymology: < prostaglandin + cycl(o)- + -in

prostacyclin Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • call: He was especially acknowledged for the discovery of a protective factor, which he called prostacyclin, which helps to keep blood vessels healthy.

Adjective modifier

  • intravenous: Survival in primary pulmonary hypertension with long-term continuous intravenous prostacyclin.

Modifies a noun

  • analog: The 'gold standard ' of treatment, due to its beneficial effect on survival, is epoprostenol, a prostacyclin analog.
  • treatment: Should patients deteriorate on this treatment intravenous prostacyclin treatment should be considered.