Prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α in prostanoid nomenclature), pharmaceutically termed dinoprost (INN), is a naturally occurring prostaglandin used in medicine to induce labor and as an abortifacient.

In domestic mammals, it is produced by the uterus when stimulated by oxytocin, in the event that there has been no implantation during the follicular phase. It acts on the corpus luteum to cause luteolysis, forming a corpus albicans and stopping the production of progesterone. Action of PGF_2α is dependent on the number of receptors on the corpus luteum membrane.

The PGF_2α isoform 8-iso-PGF_2α was found in significantly increased amounts in patients with endometriosis, thus being a potential causative link in endometriosis-associated oxidative stress.

PGF_2α acts by binding to the prostaglandin F2α receptor.

In 2012 a concise and highly stereoselective total synthesis of PGF_2α was described. The synthesis requires only seven steps, a huge improvement on the original 17-steps synthesis of Corey and Cheng,^[1] and uses 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran as a starting reagent, with S–proline as an asymmetric catalyst.

The following medications are analogs of prostaglandin F_2α:

• Latanoprost
• Bimatoprost
• Travoprost
• Carboprost

Template:Prostaglandins