Sex-related difference in the effect of aspirin on prostaglandin metabolism in rat platelet and aorta

The effect of aspirin on the production of the arterial prostacyclin (PGI₂)-like substance and platelet malondialdehyde (MDA) was investigated in rats of both sexes. No significant sex difference observed with the arterial PGI₂-like substance. But, following the aspirin treatment, the production of the PGI₂-like substance was significantly decreased in male rats. There was significant sex difference in the production of platelet MDA before the aspirin treatment. And after the aspirin treatment, platelets of both sexes produced significantly less MDA. It is possible that sex difference in the effect of aspirin is related to the quantitative difference of cyclooxygenase activity between platelets and vasal wall.     

Aggregation and thromboxane B2 formation in platelets and vascular prostacyclin production from genetically obese rats

Obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and age are conditions predisposing to atheroscleorosis and arterial occlusion. Recently it has been claimed that increased synthesis of thromboxane A₂ by platelets and decreased synthesis of prostacyclin (PGI₂) by blood vessels play an important role. The “Zucker” rat, a genetically obese animal with hyperlipidaemia, hyperinsulinaemia and normoglycaemia was used to study platelet aggregation, thromboxane (TXB₂) production and aortic PGI₂ synthesis. Two age groups (6–8 months and 14–16 months old) and their homozygote lean controls were used. In the obese rats no increased aggregation was found with ADP, arachidonic acid and collagen. On the contrary platelets from young fatty rats were less sensitive to ADP than platelets from lean young animals. An increase in platelet sensitivity to aggregating agents with age was observed, especially in the obese rats. TXB₂ measured in platelet rich plasma after exposure to ADP, arachidonic acid, arachidonic acid plus ADP and collagen was similar in the fatty and lean animals.Production of PGI₂ from incubated aortic rings was lowest in young lean animals. No differences existed between the other groups of rats studied. Insulin added to aortic rings had no influence on PGI₂ production. It is concluded that age rather than obesity, hyperlipidaemia or hyperinsulinaemia may cause platelet hyperresponsiveness to aggregating agents. Thromboxane and plateletaggregation do not closely correlate. PGI₂ production is not reduced by metabolic alterations, thought to predispose to atherosclerosis.     

Modulation of platelet thromboxane A2 and arterial prostacyclin by dietary vitamin E

Platelets from vitamin E-deficient and vitamin E-supplemented rats generate the same amount fo thromboxane A₂ (TxA₂) when they are incubated with unesterified arachidonic acid. Platelets from vitamin E-deficient rats produce more TxA₂ than platelets from vitamin E-supplemented rats when the platelets are challenged with collagen. Arterial tissue from vitamin E-deficient rats generates less prostacyclin (PGI₂) than arterial tissue from vitamin E-supplemented rats. The vitamin E effect with arterial tissue is observed when the tissue is incubated with and without added unesterified arachidonic acid. These data show that arterial prostacyclin synthesis is diminished in vitamin E-deficient rats. Vitamin E, $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$, inhibits platelet aggregation both by lowering platelet TxA₂ and by raising arterial PGI₂.     

The effect of prostaglandin I2 on the contractility of the term pregnant human myometrium

Small myometrial strips were dissected from the upper and lower segments of the term pregnant human uterus. The specimens were superfused in organ chambers and contractile activity was recorded isometrically.In strips from the upper segment, prostacyclin (PGI₂), induced an initial excitatory response followed in the majority of experiments by transient inhibition. In the lower segment the response was generally the same although direct inhibition without initial stimulation occurred in some cases.During the period of inhibition the specimens were refractory to iterated exposure to PGI₂. Furthermore, during this period of PGI₂-induced inhibition the muscle strip was also refractory to PGE₂ but responded to PGF_2α and oxytocin by stimulation.After inhibition of spontaneous contractile activity induced by indomethacin PGI₂ induced an excitatory response.The results do not indicate any critical change in the myometrial responsiveness of the upper uterine segment to PGI₂ during labor. In strips from the lower segment obtained before labor there tended to be a dominance of non-responders and inhibition only as compared to the results during labor. Nevertheless, whether or not PGI₂ under physiological or pharmacological conditions has any significant influence on the contractility of the term pregnant human uterus, still remains obscure.As judged from earlier reports from our laboratory and the present study it is evident that the uterine vessels are considerably more sensitive to the action of PGI₂ than the myometrium.     

Effect of prostacyclin on platelet-activating factor induced rabbit platelet aggregation

In this paper, the effect of prostacyclin (PGI₂) on the aggregation induced by Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a phospholipid mediator of anaphylaxis, was studied. Synthetic PGI₂ and PGI₂-like activity generated from rabbit aorta were demonstrated to be effective inhibitors of PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation and release of ³H-serotonin (³H-5HT).     

Comparison of the effects of prostacyclin (PGI2), prostaglandin E1 and D2 on platelet aggregation in different species

The activity of prostacyclin (PGI₂), PGE₁ or PGD₂ as inhibitors of platelet aggregation in plasma from human, dog, rabbit, rat, sheep and horse was investigated. Prostacyclin was the most potent inhibitor in all species. PGD₂ was a weak inhibitor in dog, rabbit and rat plasma whereas PGE₁ and prostacyclin were highly active. Theophylline or dipyridamole potentiated the inhibition of human platelet aggregation by prostacyclin, PGE₁ or PGD₂. Compound N-0164 abolished the inhibition by PGD₂ of human platelet aggregation but did not inhibit the effects of PGE₁ or prostacyclin. The results suggest that prostacyclin and PGE₁ act on similar sites on platelets which are distinct from those for PGD₂.     

Effect of synthetic estrogen on platelet aggregation and vascular release of PGI2-like material in the rabbit

Treatment of adult female New Zealand white rabbits with ethinyl estradiol, the synthetic estrogen used in many oral contraceptives, results in a significant increase in $\text{in vivo}$ aggregation. This alteration in platelet behavior is accompanied by diminished vascular release of antiaggregatory PGI₂ (prostacyclin)-like material. Addition of a progestin prevents the change in platelet aggregation seen with the estrogen alone. Diminished vascular PGI₂ release may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of thrombotic occurrences experienced by some oral contraceptive users. $\text{In vivo}$ platelet aggregation may be of value in identifying individuals at risk of developing thrombotic disturbances while taking oral contraceptives.     

Prevention of blockage of partially obstructed coronary arteries with prostacyclin correlates with inhibition of platelet aggregation

Coronary arteries (circumflex or left anterior descending) of anesthetized dogs were partially obstructed to approximately 5% of the normal lumen size by fitting a plastic cylinder around the vessel. Under these conditions, blood flow in the artery was not maintained but, instead, gradually declined over a few minutes until the vessel was completely blocked. Shaking the plastic obstructor restored blood flow temporarily, however, flow gradually declined again to zero. Sometimes flow was spontaneously restored by immediate increases that occurred at irregular intervals while, on other occasions, blood flow had to be restored by shaking the obstructor every time the rate declined to near zero. Intravenous infusion of prostacyclin (PGI₂) at 15 to 150 ng/kg/min reversed and prevented the blockage of the coronary arteries. The efficacy of PGI₂ in preventing blockage correlated with inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation in platelet rich plasma prepared from blood samples withdrawn from the dogs during PGI₂ infusion. Other coronary vasodilators, nitroglycerin and PGE₂, that have no antiaggregatory effects, failed to prevent blockage whereas PGE₁ and indomethacin, which do block aggregation, also prevented blockage of the vessels. PGI₂ or its precursor, PGH₂, dripped topically on the obstructed site prevented the blockage of the artery. This local effect of PGI₂ could be obtained with amounts too small to cause systemic inhibition of platelet aggregation. The results show that PGI₂ prevents blockage of partially obstructed coronary arteries and this effect correlates with inhibition of platelet aggregation. Furthermore, the data suggest that locally produced PGI₂ may have a local antiaggregatory effect without inhibiting platelet aggregation in the general circulation.     

Effect of dipyridamole of prostaglandin generation by human platelets and vessel walls

These experiments were conducted to determine the effects of dipyridemole on human platelet aggregation, platelet thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) and human vessel wall prostacyclin (PGI₂) generation. Dipyridamole in varying concentrations (5 to 50 μg/ml) had no direct effect on ADP-induced platelet aggregation in vitro, but it potentiated PGI₂-induced platelet aggregation inhibition at these concentrations. Dipyridamole also inhibited arachidonic acid-induced platelet TXA₂ generation at these concentrations. In continuously perfused umbilical vein segments, dipyridamole treatment resulted in stimulation of PGI₂ release determined by bioassay and by measurement of its stable metabolite 6-keto-PGF_1α. Minimum concentration of dipyridamole causing PGI₂ release was 50 μg/ml. These in vitro studies suggest that anti-thrombotic effects of dipyridamole in man are mediated mainly by potentiation of PGI₂ activity and to some extent by TXA₂ suppression. Stimulation of PGI₂ release by human vessels may not be seen in usual therapeutic concentrations.     

Formation of prostacyclin (PGI2) by the ductus arteriosus of fetal lambs at different stages of gestation

Prostaglandins appear to play a role in maintaining patency of the ductus arteriosus during gestation. Prostacyclin (PGI₂) is the major product of prostaglandin biosynthesis in the lamb ductus arteriosus. This factor is both a vasodilator and a potent inhibitor of human platelet aggregation. We used inhibition of platelet aggregation as a sensitive bioassay to measure PGI₂ generation in rings of ductus arteriosus from fetal lambs. Mechanical manipulation accelerated the rate of PGI₂ released from the tissue 10 to 50 times. Tranylcypromine, an antagonist of prostacyclin synthetase, suppressed production of PGI₂ by rings of ductus arteriosus. Rings from immature animals (98–103 days gestation, term is 150 days) released significantly more PGI₂ (190 ± 28 ng/g wet weight/ 20 min, n=9) than did those from near term animals (136–146 days; 106 ± 23 ng/g wet weight/20 min, n=10). The capacity of the ductus arteriosus to generate more PGI₂ earlier in gestation is consistent with the observation that vessels from animals less than 110 days gestation have a significantly larger indomethacin induced contraction than do vessels near term.     

Release of prostaglandin I2-like activity from the rat aorta: Effect of captopril,furosemide, and sodium

The effect of captopril, furosemide, indomethacine and intake of sodium on the production of PGI₂-like material was studied in the rat aorta. Release of PGI₂-like material from these vessels was estimated by its ability to inhibit ADP-induced vessels was estimated by its ability to inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Pretreatment with indomethacin (15 mg/kg/day) reduced the capacity of the aorta to release PGI₂-like material. Pretreatment with captopril (10 mg/kg/day) had no effect. Intravenous furosemide (60 μg/ml plasma volume) increased the capacity of the aorta to inhibit by 28% (p<.025). The inhibitory capacity of aorta removed from rats on a low sodium diet did not differ from those on a high sodium diet. We conclude that the action of furosemide in reducing vascular tone may be related to stimulation of PGI₂ synthesis in blood vessels whereas the effect of captopril and sodiumin in reducing vascular tone may involve a mechanism unrelated to PGI₂ synthesis or may involve the synthesis of a prostaglandin other than PGI₂.     

Circulatory and platelet actions of 6,9-thiaprostacyclin (PGI2-S) in the cat.

A new analog of prostacyclin, 6,9-Thiaprostacyclin was infused intravenously in pentobarbital anesthetized cats in order to determine its hemodynamic and anti-platelet aggregating properties. At an infusion rate of 0.01 μmoles/kg/min, PGI₂-S moderately decreased arterial blood pressure without altering heart rate of superior mesenteric artery flow or platelet aggregation responses to ADP. However, at 0.05 μmoles/kg/min, PGI₂-S significantly reduced arterial blood pressure and significantly increased heart rate, and superior mesenteric artery flow. Moreover, at 0.05 μmoles/kg/min, PGI₂-S inhibited ADP platelet aggregation by 80%. PGI₂-S may be a useful agent in circulatory shock.     

An antiserum against 9-deoxy-6,9-epoxy-PGF1α recognizes and binds PGI2 (prostacyclin)

Antibodies were prepared against 9-deoxy-6,9-epoxy-PGF_1α, the 5,6-dihydro analog of prostacyclin (PGI₂). By using as the hapten, this structurally similar, stable analog, an antibody population was developed which recognized PGI₂ and reversed its influence on platelet aggregation. The antibodies also opposed the normal effect of PGI₂ on the cAMP and thromboxane B₂ levels during aggregation. By anticipating the cross reaction between the analog and PGI₂ and by considering it beneficial, the problem of raising antibodies against an unstable compound has been circumvented.     

Low prostacyclin synthetase activity of fetal rat aorta. Progressive increase after birth.

Aortae from fetal or 3 weeks old rats produced very small amounts of PGI₂, prostacyclin. This production increased from 4 weeks on, reaching adult values at about ten weeks. This maturation seemed to be predominantly determined by a change in the PGI₂ synthetase system, rather than in arachidonic acid availability, phospholipase or cyclo-oxygenase activity. The anti-oxidant ascorbic acid stimulated prostacyclin production more strongly in adult than in young rat aortae. This finding suggests that the lower production of PGI₂ by young tissues is not due to an enhanced inhibition of prostacyclin synthetase by lipid peroxides.     

Regulation of prostacyclin synthase expression and prostacyclin content in the pig endometrium

Prostaglandins (PGs) are critical regulators of a number of reproductive processes, including embryo development and implantation. In the present study, prostacyclin (PGI₂) synthase (PGIS) mRNA and protein expression, as well as 6-keto PGF_1α (a PGI₂ metabolite) concentration, were investigated in the pig uterus. Endometrial tissue and uterine luminal flushings were obtained on Days 4 to 18 of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Additionally, conceptuses were collected and examined for PGIS mRNA expression and 6-keto PGF_1α concentration. Regulation of PGI₂ synthesis in the porcine endometrium by steroids, conceptus products, and cytokines was studied in vitro and/or in vivo. Endometrial PGIS protein level increased on Days 12 and 16 in pregnant but not in cyclic gilts. Moreover, higher PGIS protein expression on Day 12 of pregnancy was accompanied by a greater content of 6-keto PGF_1α in the endometrium. The concentration of 6-keto PGF_1α in uterine luminal flushings increased substantially on Days 16 and 18 in pregnant gilts and was higher than in cyclic animals. Greater PGIS mRNA expression and PGI₂ metabolite concentration were detected in Day 12 and 14 conceptuses, respectively. Incubation of endometrial explants with conceptus-conditioned medium resulted in upregulation of PGIS protein expression and increased PGI₂ secretion. Moreover, PGIS mRNA and protein expression were upregulated in the endometrium collected from gravid uterine horn on Day 14 of pregnancy. In summary, PGIS is differentially expressed in the endometrium of cyclic and pregnant gilts resulting in higher PGI₂ synthesis in pregnant animals. Porcine conceptuses are important regulators of endometrial PGIS expression and PGI₂ release during the implantation period.     

Modulation of the platelet thromboxane A2 and aortic prostacyclin synthesis by dietary selenium and vitamin E

Vitamin E and selenium (Se) interact synergistically as an important antioxidant defense mechanism. Se, an essential component of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and vitamin E decompose fatty acid hydroperoxides and hydrogen peroxides generated by free radical reactions. Vitamin E and GSH-Px may modulate arachidonic acid metabolism and the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes by affecting peroxide concentration. The balance between arterial wall prostacyclin (PGI₂) production and platelet thromboxane (TX)A₂ directly influences platelet activity. In order to elucidate the differential role of dietary vitamin E and Se in aortic PGI₂ and platelet TXA₂ synthesis, 1-mo-old F344 rats were fed semipurified diets containing different levels of vitamin E (0, 30, 200 ppm) and Se (0, 0.1, 0.2 ppm) for 2 mo. Thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) and 6-keto-PGF₁α, were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) after incubation of whole blood and aortic rings at 37°C for 10 and 30 min, respectively. Vitamin E deficiency reduced plasma vitamin E to 5–17% of control-fed rats, and supplementation increased it to 53% of the control-fed rats. Se supplementation in vitamin E-supplemented animals increased plasma GSH-Px by 17%, compared to vitamin E-deficient rats. Se and vitamin E supplementation did not have a similar effect on TXB₂ and PGI₂ synthesis. Se deficiency did not alter platelet TXB₂ synthesis, but significantly decreased aortic PGI₂ synthesis. It was necessary to supplement with both antioxidants in order to increase, PGI₂ synthesis. Se and vitamin E deficient groups had a higher TXB₂/PGI₂ ratio (0.17±0.08) compared to Se- and vitamin E-supplemented groups (0.03±0.01). These results confirm previous reports in humans and animals and are in accordance with epidemiological data indicating an inverse relationship between plasma Se and platelet aggregation. Thus, further suggesting that vitamin E and Se may have a specific role in controlling TXA₂ and PGI₂ synthesis.     

Human platelet rich plasma and human serum protects from inactivation the antiaggregatory capacity of prostacyclin-like material (PGI2) produced by the rat stomach fundus

Prostacyclin (PGI₂) synthetizing capacity of rat stomach fundus in Krebs-Ringer-Bicarbonate (KRB); human platelet rich plasma (PRP) or human serum (HS), was explored. The basal production of PGI₂-like material was similar in the three media, suggesting the absence of any special substance in plasma or serum able to modify prostacyclin synthesis from tissue substrate. On the other hand it was also documented that in PRP and in HS the antiaggregatory activity of the PGI₂-like material declined in its capacity less than 50% following 60 minutes of incubation at 37 °C, whereas it almost dissapeared when incubated in KRB. Possible explanations underlying such finding are discussed.     

Anti-platelet aggregating and disaggregating activities of 6,9-methano PGI2

Anti-platelet aggregating and disaggregating activities of the chemically stable 6,9-methano prostaglandin I₂ (6,9-methano PGI₂) were investigated. 6,9-Methano PGI₂ inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in PRP from humans, rabbits and rats. 6,9-Methano PGI₂ also inhibited rabbit platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, thrombin, arachidonic acid and 11,9-epoxy-methano PGH₂. Antiaggregating activities of 6,9-methano PGI₂ were 0.3 to 2.0 times greater than those of PGE₁. 6,9-Methano PGI₂ facilitated platelet disaggregation in a dose related manner. Antiaggregating and disaggregating activities of 6,9-methano PGI₂ were markedly enhanced by incubation with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, theophylline.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of prostacyclin and carbacyclin on platelet adhesion to collagen

The effect of carbacyclin, a chemically stable analogue of prostacyclin (PGI₂), on the adhesion of platelets to collagen has been examined. The compound was compared to PGI₂ which is unstable and rapidly hydrolysed to the inactive derivative, 6-oxo-PGF_1α. The adhesion of ¹¹¹Indium-labelled human plateles to collagen in the absence of platelet aggregation and secretion was measured. The cAMP level in the platelets was also monitored. Both PGI₂ and carbacyclin inhibited platelet-collagen adhesion and caused a rise in the platelet cAMP level. Carbacyclin was approximately 15-fold less effective than PGI₂, however, its effect was longer lasting, remaining constant for at least 30 minutes.     

Effect of bisenoic prostaglandins on the uterine vasculature of the nonpregnant sheep

The effects of the bisenoic prostaglandins on the uterine vasculature and uterine contractile activity have been evaluated in an unanesthetized chronically catheterized nonpregnant sheep preparation. Changes in uterine blood flow were monitored with electromagnetic flow probes while uterine contractile activity and tone were determined via an intra-uterine balloon connected to a pressure transducer. Prostaglandins A₂, D₂, E₂, and prostacyclin (PGI₂) were all found to be vasodilators. PGD₂ and PGI₂ were much more potent than PGA₂ and PGE₂ in dilating the uterine vasculature. The prostacyclin breakdown product 6-keto PGF_1α, PGF_2α, thromboxane B₂, and the endoperoxide analogues U44069 and U46619 produced vasoconstriction of the uterine vasculature. Prostaglandins A₂, D₂ and F_2α increased while PGI₂ decreased uterine contractile activity. PGF_2α also increased uterine tone suggesting that a portion of its vasoconstrictor activity may be due to mechanical compression of the uterine vasculature.