Alprostadil
I. Product Identification and Quality Assurance
A. General Information
Item
Specification
Item
Alprostadil for Vascular Dynamics
Grade
High-Purity Research Reagent
Formula
C20H34O5
CAS Number
745-65-3
B. Quality Control Standards
Parameter
Standard
Method
Purity
≥ 98.0%
HPLC
Appearance
White to off-white crystalline powder
Visual Inspection
Solubility
Soluble in ethanol and aqueous buffer solutions
Laboratory Test
Heavy Metals
≤ 10 ppm
ICP-MS
II. Application Overview in Research
Alprostadil, a synthetic analog of Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), is a critical reagent in biomedical research, particularly in the study of cardiovascular and tissue perfusion mechanisms.
A. Primary Research Applications
Alprostadil is extensively employed in preclinical models to study:
- Endothelium-dependent vasodilation: Its potent action as a vasodilator makes it an ideal compound for characterizing the function of the vascular endothelium and smooth muscle response.
- Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury: It is used to investigate therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating cellular damage following temporary oxygen deprivation and subsequent reoxygenation.
- Tissue Perfusion and Recovery: The reagent provides a valuable pharmacological model for investigating improved blood flow and subsequent tissue recovery in various cardiovascular research settings.
B. Mechanistic Insights
Experimental findings suggest that Alprostadil exhibits several cytoprotective properties relevant to hypoxic and oxidative stress:
- Reduction of Oxidative Stress: It has been shown to scavenge reactive oxygen species and enhance endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms.
- Mitochondrial Stabilization: Research indicates Alprostadil can stabilize mitochondrial membranes, thereby preserving mitochondrial function and reducing the release of pro-apoptotic factors during hypoxic stress.
III. Key Pharmacological Benefits and Experimental Outcomes
A. Vascular Effects
- Dose-dependent vasodilatory response: Alprostadil elicits a measurable, concentration-dependent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, making it suitable for dose-response studies.
- Hemodynamic Modulation: It significantly enhances systemic and localized blood flow in in vivo models.
B. Cellular and Molecular Effects
- Reduction of intracellular calcium concentrations: Alprostadil activates adenylyl cyclase, leading to an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. Elevated cAMP, in turn, facilitates the sequestration or efflux of calcium ions, promoting muscle relaxation.
- Preservation of cellular viability under stress: Through its cytoprotective actions, it minimizes cell death (necrosis and apoptosis) in models of hypoxic and oxidative injury.
IV. Handling, Storage, and Stability
A. Storage Recommendations
Alprostadil should be stored at -20°C in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and moisture, to maintain its high purity and effectiveness.
B. Recommended Preparation
For research use, the reagent is typically dissolved in an organic solvent (e.g., absolute ethanol) prior to dilution in an appropriate buffer or cell culture medium. Researchers should consult relevant literature or the File Safety Data Sheet for specific concentration and solvent compatibility details.
Step
Detail
Primary Dissolution
Dissolve in high-grade ethanol
Working Concentration
Dilute into buffer or medium immediately prior to use
Stability
Solution should be used within 24 hours for optimal results
V. Safety and Regulatory Information
This product is intended For Research Use Only and is not for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use. Researchers must adhere to standard laboratory safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
A detailed safety guide is available in the File Alprostadil Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
VI. Technical Support and Documentation
For detailed information regarding lot-specific certificates of analysis (CoA), advanced protocols, or technical inquiries, please contact our research support team at the contact information provided in the File Technical Service Document.
VII. Case Study Example: Ischemia-Reperfusion Model
A study utilizing the High-Purity Research Reagent Alprostadil was conducted to evaluate its role in myocardial protection.
Model Component
Experimental Condition
Measured Outcome
Test Group
Pre-treatment with 10 nM Alprostadil for 30 minutes
40% reduction in infarct size
Control Group
Vehicle-treated
Baseline infarct size
Mechanism Confirmed
cAMP pathway activation
Significant elevation of intracellular cAMP