1. A group of hormone-like substances produced by the body that help regulate blood flow, prevent blood clots, and reduce inflammation; a type of eicosanoid derived from arachidonic acid.
Usage: medical/scientific term; typically used in plural form; also called prostacyclin when referring to the singular compound

Examples

• Prostacyclins are produced primarily by endothelial cells lining blood vessels.
• The drug works by mimicking the effects of natural prostacyclins to improve blood flow.
• Prostacyclins play a crucial role in preventing unwanted blood clots.
• Researchers study prostacyclins to develop treatments for pulmonary hypertension.
• Aspirin works partly by inhibiting the production of certain prostacyclins and other eicosanoids.