A comparison of imidazole and 9,11-azoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid. Two selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitors

Two selective thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitors, imidazole and 9,11-azoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid (azo analog I) were compared to determine their effects on the quantitative formation of thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin E2 accompanying human platelet aggregation. Azo analog I was at least 200 times more potent, on a molar basis, than imidazole in suppressing thromboxane B2 formation in either platelet-rich plasma or washed platelet suspensions aggregated with arachidonic acid or prostaglandin H2. The inhibitors differed in their effect on the aggregation response itself. Azo analog I selectively suppressed thromboxane A2 formation with an accompanying, parallel, suppression of the platelet aggregation. Imidazole selectively suppressed thromboxane A2 formation, but only suppressed the accompanying aggregation in platelet rich plasma, and not washed platelet suspensions. The results indicate that azo analog I functions by competitive inhibition of prostaglandin H2 on the thromboxane synthetase, and that imidazole, while it suppresses thromboxane A2 formation, may have an associated agonist activity that enhances platelet aggregation. The data presented support this hypothesis, and they emphasize the importance of thromboxane A2 in arachidonate mediated platelet aggregation.     

A selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor blocks the cAMP lowering activity of PGH2.

The thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, 9,11-azoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid, blocks both platelet aggregation and the cyclic AMP lowering activity of the prostaglandin endoperoxide PGH₂. These data indicate PGH₂ must be converted into thromboxane A₂ in order to lower cAMP or induce platelet aggregation.     

Acetyl glycerylphosphorylcholine inhibition of prostaglandin I2-stimulated adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate levels in human platelets. Evidence for thromboxane A2 dependence

Previous studies with AGEPC (1-O-hexadecyl/octadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine) stress the independence of the proaggregatory activity of AGEPC from the platelet cyclooxygenase. However, our dose response analyses in human platelet-rich plasma show distinct primary and secondary waves of aggregation in response to AGEPC. Second wave aggregation is inhibited completely by either 10 micro M indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, or 5.6 micro M 9,11-azoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid, a thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor. Simultaneous addition of AGEPC and prostaglandin I2 to platelet-rich plasma results in a marked increase in platelet cyclic AMP, which is not different from the prostaglandin I2 response alone. However, if prostaglandin I2 is added to AGEPC-stimulated platelets at a point where secondary aggregation is just beginning, AGEPC can attenuate prostaglandin I2-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. The inhibition by AGEPC is blocked by either cyclooxygenase or thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitors, and radioimmunoassay of thromboxane B2 confirmed that the inhibition of prostaglandin I2-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation is due to thromboxane A2 synthesis, and that AGEPC-stimulated secondary aggregation does not start until thromboxane A2 is synthesized. These data suggest that much of the bioactivity of AGEPC is attributable to thromboxane A2.     

9 alpha-homo-9,11-epoxy-5,13-prostadienoic acid analogues: specific stable agonist (SQ 26, 538) and antagonist (SQ 26, 536) of the human platelet thromboxane receptor

A newly synthesized 9 alpha-homo-9,11-epoxy-5,13-prostadienoic acid analogue, SQ 26, 536, (8(R)9(S)11(R)12(S)-9 alpha-homo-9,11-epoxy-5(Z), 13(E)-15S-hydroxyprostadienoic acid) inhibited arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation with an I50 value of 1.7 microM. SQ 26,536 did not inhibit prostaglandin (PG) synthetase activity of bovine seminal vesicle microsomes or thromboxane (Tx) synthetase activity of lysed human blood platelets. SQ 26,536 also inhibited platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine (secondary phase), 9,11-azoPGH2 and collagen but did not inhibit the primary phase of epinephrine-induced aggregation or ADP-induced platelet aggregation. SQ 26,538 (8(R)9(S)11(R)12(S)-9 alpha-homo-9,11-epoxy-5(Z),13(E)-15R-hydroxyprostadienoic acid), a 15-epimer of SQ 26,536, induced platelet aggregation with an A50 value of 2.5 microM. SQ 26,536 competitively inhibited SQ 26,538-induced platelet aggregation with a Ki value of 3 microM. Neither indomethacin, a PG synthetase inhibitor, nor SQ 80,338 (1-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-1H-imidazole), a Tx synthetase inhibitor, inhibited SQ 26,538- or 9,11-azoPGH2-induced platelet aggregation. These data indicate that SQ 26,536 and SQ 26,538 are stable antagonist and agonist, respectively, of the human blood platelet thromboxane receptor.     

A comparison of imidazole and 9,11-azoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid Two selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitors

Two selective thromboxane A₂ synthetase inhibitors, imidazole and 9,11-azoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid (azo analog I) were compared to determine their effects on the quantitative formation of thromboxane B₂ and prostaglandin E₂ accompanying human platelet aggregation. Azo analog I was at least 200 times more potent, on a molar basis, than imidazole in suppressing thromboxane B₂ formation in either platelet-rich plasma or washed platelet suspensions aggregated with arachidonic acid or prostaglandin H₂. The inhibitors differed in their effect on the aggregation response itself. Azo analog I selectively suppressed thromboxane A₂ formation with an accompanying, parallel, suppression of the platelet aggregation.Imidazole selectively suppressed thromboxane A₂ formation, but only suppressed the accompanying aggregation in platelet rich plasma, and not washed platelet suspensions. The results indicate that azo analog I functions by competitive inhibition of prostaglandin H₂ on the thromboxane synthetase, and that imidazole, while it suppresses thromboxane A₂ formation, may have an associated agonist activity that enhances platelet aggregation. The data presented support this hypothesis, and they emphasize the importance of thromboxane A₂ in arachidonate mediated platelet aggregation.     

9α-homo-9,11-epoxy-5,13-prostadienoic acid analogues: Specific stable agonist (SQ 26,538) and antagonist (SQ 26,536) of the human platelet thromboxane receptor

A newly synthesized 9α-homo-9,11-epoxy-5,13-prostadienoic acid analogue, SQ 26,536, (8(R)9(S)11(R)12(S)-9α-homo-9,11-epoxy-5(Z), 13(E)-15S-hydroxyprostadienoic acid) inhibited arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation with an I₅₀ value of 1.7 μ . SQ 26,536 did not inhibit prostaglandin (PG) synthetase activity of bovine seminal vesicle microsomes or thromboxane (Tx) synthetase activity of lysed human blood platelets. SQ 26,536 also inhibited platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine (secondary phase), 9,11-azoPGH₂ and collagen but did not inhibit the primary phase of epinephrine-induced aggregation or ADP-induced platelet aggregation. SQ 26,538 (8(R)9(S)11(R)12(S)-9α-homo-9-, 11-epoxy-5(Z),13(E)-15R-hydroxyprostadienoic acid), a 15-epimer of SQ 26,536, induced platelet aggregation with an A₅₀ value of 2.5 μ . SQ 26,536 competitively inhibited SQ 26,538-induced platelet aggregation with a K_i value of 3 μ . Neither indomethacin, a PG synthetase inhibitor, nor SQ 80,338 (1-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-1H-imidazole), a Tx synthetase inhibitor, inhibited SQ 26,538- or 9,11-azoPGH₂-induced platelet aggregation. These data indicate that SQ 26,536 and SQ 26,538 are stable antagonist and agonist, respectively, of the human blood platelet thromboxane receptor.     

Regulation of 3T3-L1 fibroblast differentiation by prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2)

Prostaglandin biosynthesis and prostaglandin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation were studied in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts as they differentiated into adipocytes. Incubation of 3T3-L1 membranes with [1-14C]prostaglandin H2, and subsequent radio-TLC analysis, showed that prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2) is the principal enzymatically synthesized prostaglandin in this cell line. Confirmation of the radiochemical data was obtained by demonstrating the presence of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, the stable hydrolysis product of prostaglandin I2, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In support of previous work, indomethacin, the prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase (EC 1.14.99.1) inhibitor, accelerated 3T3-L1 differentiation. More importantly, the incubation of 3T3-L1 cells with insulin and the prostaglandin I2 synthetase inhibitor 9,11-azoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid (azo analog I) also enhanced the rate of cellular differentiation, even though this compound does not inhibit the synthesis of other prostaglandins. The repeated addition of exogenous prostaglandin I2 to 3T3-L1 cells inhibited insulin- and indomethacin-mediated differentiation. When 3T3-L1 cells were exposed to various prostaglandins and the cyclic AMP levels were measured, prostaglandin I2 proved to be the most potent stimulator of cyclic AMP accumulation, followed by prostaglandin E1 greater than prostaglandin H2 much greater than prostaglandin E2, while prostaglandin D2 was inactive. As 3T3-L1 cells differentiate, the ability of prostaglandin I2 or prostaglandin H2 to stimulate cyclic AMP accumulation progressively diminishes. It is suggested that 3T3-L1 differentiation may be controlled by the rate of prostaglandin I2 synthesis and/or sensitivity of the adenylate cyclase to prostaglandin I2.     

Immunoaffinity purification and characterization of thromboxane synthase from porcine lung

Thromboxane synthase has been purified 620-fold from porcine lung microsomes by a three-step purification procedure including Lubrol-PX solubilization, reactive blue-agarose chromatography, and immunoaffinity chromatography. The purified enzyme exhibited a single protein band (53,000 daltons) on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Rabbit antiserum raised against the purified enzyme immunoprecipitated thromboxane synthase activity from crude enzyme preparations of porcine lung, cow lung, and human platelets, indicating the existence of structural homology of the enzyme in these species. Immunoblotting experiment identified the same polypeptide (53,000 daltons) in porcine lung and a polypeptide of 50,000 daltons in human platelets, confirming the identity of the enzyme and the specificity of the antiserum. Purified thromboxane synthase is a hemoprotein with a Soret-like absorption peak at 418 nm. The enzyme reaction has a Km for 15-hydroxy-9 alpha, 11 alpha-peroxidoprosta-5, 13-dienoic acid of 12 microM, an optimal pH of 7.5, and an optimal temperature of reaction at 30 degrees C. Purified thromboxane synthase catalyzed the formation of both thromboxane B2 and 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (HHT). The ratios of HHT to thromboxane B2 varied from 1.6 to 2.1 dependent on the reaction conditions. Except that HHT was formed at a greater rate, the formation of HHT and that of thromboxane responded identically to pH, temperature, substrate concentration, kinetics of formation, metal ions, and inhibitors suggesting that the two products are probably formed at the same active site via a common intermediate. Thromboxane synthase was irreversibly inactivated by 15-hydroxy-9 alpha, 11 alpha-peroxidoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid during catalysis and by treatment of 15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid. The irreversible inactivation, however, could be protected by reversible inhibitors such as sodium (E)-3-[4-(1-imidazolylmethyl)phenyl]-2-propenoate and 15-hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)-prosta-5,13-dienoic acid, suggesting that the inactivation occurred at the active site of the enzyme. The catalytic inactivation of thromboxane synthase and the greater rate of formation of HHT in thromboxane-synthesizing system may probably play important regulatory roles in the control of thromboxane synthesis.     

On the structure of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis: Evidence of biosynthesis from arachidonic acid

The mononuclear cells in peritoneal washings from normal rats can be induced to produce large amounts of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis by incubation with 10 mM cysteine in the presence of the calcium ionophore A-23187. This production of slow reacting substance could be inhibited by the addition of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g., indomethacin, ibuprofen and flurbiprofen. Furthermore, mediator production was inhibited by eicosatetraynoic acid, the substrate analog of arachidonic acid, and by 9,11-azoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid (AzO analog 1), a structural analog of the prostaglandin endoperoxide, PGH₂, which is known to inhibit thromboxane synthesis. Relatively high concentrations of hydrocortisone acetate inhibited mediator production; this inhibition could be partly reversed by the addition of arachidonic acid or to a lesser extent by eicosatrienoic acid. Preliminary results suggest that a small fraction of the ³H-labeled arachidonic acid which was taken up by these cells in vitro was associated with slow reacting substance. We postulate that slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis may be derived from a prostaglandin endoperoxide which is formed during the oxidation of arachidonic acid by the prostaglandin fatty acid cyclooxygenase.     

Prostacyclin stimulation of dog arterial cyclic AMP levels.

Prostacyclin (PGI2) dose-dependently increases the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) levels in canine femoral, carotid, and canine and bovine coronary arteries. The prostacyclin-stimulation is enhanced by phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and is readily measurable after 60 sec incubation. The prostaglandin endoperoxide PGH2, but not PGH1, also elevates cAMP levels in femoral arteries. Inhibition of arterial prostacyclin synthetase with 28 microM 9,11-azoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid (azo analog I) blocks the PGH2-stimulation of cAMP accumulation. Azo analog I does not attenuate a direct PGI2 stimulation, indicating that the PGH2 dependent elevation of cAMP is due to conversion of PGH2 to PGI2 by the artery. PGI2 and PGE1 increase cyclic AMP levels and relax dog femoral and bovine coronary arteries, while PGE2, which actually contracts bovine coronary arteries, has no effect on arterial cyclic AMP levels. The significance of the PGI2-stimulation of arterial cyclic AMP is not known, but it is probably related to relaxation of arterial strips.     

Selective inhibition of thromboxane synthetase by pyridine and its derivatives

Pyridine and some derivatives inhibit the conversion of prostaglandin endoperoxide to thromboxane catalyzed by thromboxane synthetase of human platelet microsomes. The structure-activity relationship of pyridine derivatives was investigated. Substitution of pyridine at position 2 either by an alkyl or an aryl group abolishes the inhibitory power of pyridine. Substitution at position 3 or 4 with a hydrophobic chain was found to increase the inhibitory potency, with 3-substituted pyridines being the most potent inhibitors. Inhibition by pyridine and its active derivatives appears to be selective for thromboxane synthetase since other enzymes in the arachidonic acid catabolic pathway were not affected. Kinetic studies indicate that inhibition as examined with hexylnicotinate is of the noncompetitive type.     

Human platelet aggregation induced by prostaglandin endodisulfide.

The effect on human platelet functions of 9,11-dithio analogues of prostaglandin endoperoxide was investigated. Methyl (5Z, 9alpha, 11alpha, 13E, 15S)-9,11-epidithio-15-hydroxyprosta-5,13-dienoate induced platelet aggregation, while the 9beta,11beta-epimer was inactive. The platelet aggregation caused by the 9alpha,11alpha-dithio analogue was associated with serotonin release from platelets, and was inhibited by methyl ester of prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin) but not by indomethacin.     

Thromboxane synthetase inhibitors as pharmacological tools: differential biochemical and biological effects on platelet suspensions

The comparative effects of three so called "thromboxane-synthetase-inhibitors" (imidazole, N-0164, and U-51605) on arachidonate metabolism and on platelet aggregation were studied. All three compounds blocked platelet microsomal thromboxane synthesis from prostaglandin endoperoxides without affecting platelet adenyl cyclase. Imidazole, blocked thromboxane synthesis in intact platelets either from arachidonic acid or PGH2, without affecting aggregation. U-51605 simultaneously inhibited thromboxane synthesis and platelet suspension aggregation. N-0164 inhibited aggregation probably at extracellular sites, at concentrations that did not alter arachidonate or PGH2 metabolism. High concentrations of N-0164 simultaneously inhibited PG cyclo-oxygenase and thromboxane synthetase. The lack of specificity of these compounds requires that other actions of these compound must be considered when they are used as pharmacological tools to inhibit thromboxane synthetase.     

Thromboxane-induced phosphatidate formation in human platelets. Relationship to receptor occupancy and to changes in cytosolic free calcium.

The inter-relationships between receptor occupancy, inositol phospholipid metabolism and elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+ in thromboxane A2-induced human platelet activation were investigated by using the stable thromboxane A2 mimetic, 9,11-epoxymethanoprostaglandin H2, and the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, EPO45. 9,11-Epoxymethanoprostaglandin H2 stimulated platelet phosphatidylinositol metabolism as indicated by the rapid accumulation of [32P]phosphatidate and later accumulation of [32P]phosphatidylinositol in platelets pre-labelled with [32P]Pi. These effects of 9,11-epoxymethanoprostaglandin H2 were concentration-dependent and half-maximal [32P]phosphatidate formation occurred at an agonist concentration of 54 +/- 8 nM. With platelets labelled with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator quin 2, resting cytosolic free Ca2+ was 86 +/- 12 nM. 9,11-Epoxymethanoprostaglandin H2 induced a rapid, concentration-dependent elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+ to a maximum of 300-700 nM. Half-maximal stimulation was observed at an agonist concentration of 80 +/- 23 nM. The thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist EPO45 selectively inhibited 9,11-epoxymethanoprostaglandin H2-induced [32P]phosphatidate formation and elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+, indicating that both events are sequelae of receptor occupancy. Human platelets contain a single class of stereospecific, saturable, high affinity (KD = 70 +/- 13 nM) binding sites for 9,11-epoxymethano[3H]prostaglandin H2. The concentration-response curve for receptor occupancy (9,11-epoxymethano-[3H]prostaglandin H2 binding) is similar to that for 9,11-epoxymethanoprostaglandin H2-induced [32P]phosphatidate formation and for elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+. These observations indicate that human platelet thromboxane A2 receptor occupation is closely linked to inositol phospholipid metabolism and to elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+. Both such events may be necessary for thromboxane A2-induced human platelet activation.     

Imidazole: a selective inhibitor of thromboxane synthetase

Imidazole inhibits the enzymic conversion of the endoperoxides (PGG2 and PGH2) to thromboxane A2 by platelet microsomes (IC50: 22 MICRONG/ML; DETERMINED BY BIOASSAY). The inhibitor is selective, for prostaglandin cyclo-oxygenase is only affected at high doses. Radiochemical data confirms that imidazole blocks the formation of 14C-thromboxane B2 from 14C-PGH2. Several imidazole analogues and other substances were tested but only 1-methyl-imidazole was more potent than imidazole itself. The use of imidazole to inhibit thromboxane formation could help to elucidate the role of thromboxanes in physiology or pathophysiology.     

Regulatory role of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate on the platelet cyclooxygenase and platelet function.

Thromboxane A2 plays an important role in arachidonic acid- and prostaglandin H2-induced platelet aggregation. Agents that stimulate platelet adenylate cyclase (prostaglandin I2, prostaglandin I1 and prostaglandin E1) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP inhibit both thromboxane A2 formation and arachidonate-induced aggregation in platelet-rich plasma. Despite complete suppression of aggregation with agents that elevate cyclic AMP, considerable thromboxane A2 is still formed. Prostaglandin H2-induced aggregations which bypass the cyclooxygenase regulatory step are also inhibited by agents that elevate cyclic AMP without any measurable effect on thromboxane A2 production. These data demonstrate that cyclic AMP can inhibit platelet aggregation by a mechanism independent of its ability to suppress the cyclooxygenase enzyme. Parallel experiments with washed platelet preparations suggest that they may be an inadequate model for studying the relationship between the platelet cyclooxygenase and platelet function.     

Platelet rich plasma transforms exogenous prostaglandin endoperoxide H2 into thromboxane A2

Platelet rich plasma transforms exogenous prostaglandin endoperoxide H2 into thromboxane A2 immediately prior to the initiation of irreversible aggregation. Selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitors block thromboxane A2 formation and aggregation. Thromboxane A2 formation appears to be essential during arachidonate mediated aggregation. The results presented reconcile the previously accepted paradoxical behavior of thromboxane synthetase in platelet rich plasma toward the prostaglandin endoperoxide H2 substrate.     

Effects of epoxymethano analogues of prostaglandin endoperoxides on aggregation,on release of 5-hydroxytryptamine and on the metabolism of 3′,5′-cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in human platelets

The effects on human platelets of two synthetic analogues of prostaglandin endoperoxides were examined in order to explore the relationship between aggregation and prostaglandin and cyclic nucleotide metabolism, and to help elucidate the role of the natural endoperoxide intermediates in regulating platelet function.Both analogues (Compound I, (15S)-hydroxy-9α,11α-(epoxymethano)-prosta-(5Z,13E)-dienoic acid, and Compound II, (15S)-hydroxy-11α,9α-(epoxymethano)-prosta-(5Z,13E)-dienoic acid) caused platelets to aggregate, an effect which could be inhibited by prostaglandin E₁ but not by indomethacin. Compound II produced primary, reversible aggregation at concentrations which did not induce release of 5-hydroxytryptamine. Production of thromboxane B₂ and malonyldialdehyde was monitored as an index of endogenous production of prostaglandin endoperoxides and thromboxane A₂ and were increased after incubation of human platelets with thrombin, collagen or arachidonic acid. However, neither malonydialdehyde nor thromboxane B₂ levels were significantly influenced by the endoperoxide analogues. Both analogues produced a small elevation of adenylate cyclase activity in platelet membranes and of cyclic AMP content in intact platelets, but neither had any modifying effect on the much greater stimulation of adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP levels by prostaglandin E₁. Of all the aggregating agents tested, only arachidonic acid produced any significant increase in platelet cyclic GMP levels.These results suggest that the epoxymethano analogues of prostaglandin endoperoxides induce platelet aggregation independently of thromboxane biosynthesis and without inhibiting adenylate cyclase or lowerin platelet cyclic AMP levels. They therefore differ from better known aggregating agents such as ADP, epinephrine and collagen, which increase thromboxane A₂ production and reduce cyclic AMP levels, at least in platelets previously exposed to prostaglandin E₁.     

A novel cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid

The 8000 X g pellet of rabbit placenta transformed arachidonic acid into a number of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase products of known structure. A metabolite was also produced which was inhibited by indomethacin and required calcium for its formation. This compound had a UV absorption maximum at 227 nm under acidic or neutral conditions and gave a bathochromic shift to 281 nm under alkaline conditions. Reduction of this metabolite with sodium borohydride produced prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha (as determined by mass spectrometry), while catalytic hydrogenation increased the molecular weight by four mass units, indicating the presence of two double bonds. Based on the mass spectrum of the derivatized metabolite, the structure proved to be 9,15-dioxo-11-hydroxyprosta-5,13-dienoic acid. This compound is produced by the term placenta and does not appear to be formed from PGE2, PGF2 alpha, or PGD2. The compound is suppressed by GSH and NADPH, but its formation is not increased by NAD or NADP. PGH2 and PGG2 are not converted to 9,15-dioxo-11-hydroxyprosta-5,13-dienoic acid under similar in vitro incubation conditions. This therefore represents conversion of arachidonate to 9,15-dioxo-11-hydroxyprosta-5,13-dienoic acid through a Ca2+-dependent, non-PG dehydrogenase pathway.     

On the structure of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis: evidence of biosynthesis from arachidonic acid.

The mononuclear cells in peritoneal washings from normal rats can be induced to produce large amounts of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis by incubation with 10 mM cysteine in the presence of the calcium ionophore A-23187. This production of slow reacting substance could be inhibited by the addition of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g., indomethacin, ibuprofen and flurbiprofen, Furthermore, mediator production was inhibited by eicosatetraynoic acid, the substrate analog of arachidonic acid, and by 9,11-azoprosta-5, 13-dienoic acid (AZO analog 1), a structural analog of the prostaglandin endoperoxide, PGH2, which known to inhibit thromboxane synthesis. Relatively high concentrations of hydrocortisone acetate inhibited mediator production; this inhibition could be partly reversed by the addition of arachidonic acid or to a lesser extent by eicosatrienoic acid. Preliminary results suggest that a small fraction of the 3H-labled arachidonic acid which was taken up by these cells in vitro was associated with slow reacting substance. We postulate that slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis may be derived from a prostaglandin endoperoxide which is formed during the oxidation of arachidonic acid by the prostaglandin fatty acid cyclooxygenase.