Abstract
Accumulating data strongly suggest that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) exerts a variety of bioactivity in articular chondrocytes via its receptors (EP receptors). In addition, it has been suggested that isoforms of the EP receptor, e.g. EP2 and EP4, play specific roles in matrix turnover in the cartilage, as well as chondrocyte differentiation and chondrogenesis. Here, we summarize recent reports on EP receptor expression and its potential role in articular chondrocytes and focus on its potential role in the pathophysiology of human osteoarthritis.
