Bicyclo Prostaglandin E2

Bicyclo Prostaglandin E2 is a stable breakdown product of the PGE2 metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto Prostaglandin E2. Assays designed to measure the biosynthesis and disposition of PGE2 measure the concentration of this bicyclic derivative due to its superior stability compared to PGE2 (half-life ~ 2 minutes) or 13,14-dihydro-15-keto Prostaglandin E2 (half-life ~ 9 minutes). Receptor binding studies indicate that although metabolites of prostaglandins typically bind to EP receptors with lower affinity, they might still play an important role in these biochemical pathways due to an increased half-life. It is difficult to distinguish effects brought on by parent compounds and metabolites for PGE2 systems due to the rapid and complex metabolism of this functionally complex molecule.