Prostaglandin (PG) E 2 exerts its actions by acting on a group of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs responding to PGE 2 consist of four subtypes namely E-prostanoid 1 (EP1), E-prostanoid 2 (EP2), E-prostanoid 3 (EP3), and E-prostanoid 4 (EP4) and multiple splicing isoforms of the subtype EP3. The EP subtypes exhibit differences in signal transduction pathway, tissue localization, and regulation of expression. This molecular and biochemical heterogeneity of PGE 2 receptors leads to PGE

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... being the most variable prostanoid. Studies on knockout mice deficient in each EP subtype and selective agonist and antagonist have defined PGE 2 actions mediated by each subtype and identified the role each EP subtype plays in various physiological and pathophysiological responses. We summarize and review PGE 2 receptor research.