Different cells in tissues maintain different receptors that bind prostaglandin autacoids and transmit signals into the cell to promote the “fine tuning” characteristic of autacoid regulation. These receptors signal through G-proteins, Gs or Gi, that increase or decrease cyclic AMP.
The four known EP receptors that respond to PGE are on different cells that signal different outcomes when PGE is released.
When a receptor discriminates between omega-3 and omega-6 autoacoids, different response intensity can result from a different dietary supply of EFA. Omega-3 fats decrease thrombosis because the TP receptor signals more vigorously with TXA2 than TXA3.
More research is needed on the selectivity of different receptors on different cells.