What are prostaglandins primarily involved in regarding pain response?

Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that play a significant role in the body's inflammatory response and are particularly important in the context of pain perception. They are known to increase the sensitivity of nociceptors, which are the sensory receptors responsible for detecting painful stimuli. When tissue is injured, prostaglandins are produced and released, which helps to sensitize nociceptors. This sensitization means that the nociceptors respond more readily to stimuli that may not normally be painful, thereby amplifying the pain response.

By increasing the sensitivity of these pain receptors, prostaglandins contribute to the overall experience of pain, making it more pronounced and difficult to ignore. This mechanism serves as a biological alarm system, alerting the body to potential harm or damage, which is vital for protective reflexes and healing.