Beraprost is a synthetic analogue of prostacyclin, under clinical trials for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. It is also being studied for use in avoiding reperfusion injury. (en)
# Lin H, Lee JL, Hou HH, Chung CP, Hsu SP, Juan SH: Molecular mechanisms of the antiproliferative effect of beraprost, a prostacyclin agonist, in murine vascular smooth muscle cells. J Cell Physiol. 2007 Jul 9;. "Pubmed":http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17620284 # Melian EB, Goa KL: Beraprost: a review of its pharmacology and therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Drugs. 2002;62(1):107-33. "Pubmed":http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11790158 (en)
Beraprost acts by binding to prostacyclin membrane receptors ultimately inhibiting the release of Ca<sup>2+</sup> from intracellular storage sites. This reduction in the influx of Ca<sup>2+</sup> has been postulated to cause relaxation of the smooth muscle cells and vasodilation. (en)