The induction of prostaglandin E2 production, interleukin-6 production, cell cycle arrest, and cytotoxicity in primary oral keratinocytes and KB cancer cells by areca nut ingredients is differentially regulated by MEK/ERK activation

There are about 200-600 million betel quid (BQ) chewers in the world. BQ chewing is one of the major risk factor of hepatocarcinoma, oropharyngeal, and esophagus cancers in Taiwan, India, and Southeast Asian countries. Thus, the precise molecular mechanisms deserve investigation. We used cultured primary keratinocytes and KB cells, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and ELISA to evaluate whether alterations in early gene expression is crucial in the carcinogenic processes of BQ. We observed the induction of c-Fos mRNA expression in human gingival keratinocyte (GK) and KB carcinoma cells by areca nut (AN) extract and arecoline. A maximal increment in c-fos gene expression was shown at about 30 min after challenge. AN extract (100-800 microg/ml) and arecoline (0.1-0.8 mM) also stimulated ERK1/ERK2 phosphorylation with a maximal stimulation at 5-10 min of exposure. Pretreatment by U0126 (30 microM), a MEK inhibitor, markedly inhibited the c-Fos, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and IL-6 mRNA expression of the KB epithelial cells. In addition, U0126 and PD98059 (50 microM) also decreased AN extract- and arecoline-associated PGE2 and IL-6 production in GK and KB cells. However, U0126 by itself arrested the cells in G0/G1 phase, but was not able to prevent AN- and arecoline-induced cell death or apoptosis. In contrast, U0126 enhanced the AN-induced apoptosis of KB cells. AN ingredients thus play a significant role in the pathogenesis of oropharyngeal cancer by activation of MEK1/ERK/c-Fos pathway, which promotes keratinocyte inflammation, cell survival, and affects cell cycle progression.     

In vitro effect of trichosanic acid, a major component of Trichosanthes japonica on platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid metabolism in human platelets

The in vitro effect of trichosanic acid (TCA; C18:3, omega-5), a major component of Trichosanthes japonica, on platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism in human platelets was studied. TCA dose-dependently suppressed platelet aggregation of platelet rich plasma and washed platelets. TCA decreased collagen (50 micrograms/ml)-stimulated production of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 12-hydroxyhepta-decatrienoic acid (HHT) in a dose-dependent manner, while that of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) was rather enhanced. The conversion of exogenously added [14C]AA to [14C]TXB2 and [14C]HHT in washed platelets was dose-dependently reduced by the addition of TCA, while that to [14C]12-HETE was increased. Similar observations were obtained when linolenic acid (LNA; C18:3, omega-3) was used. These results suggest that TCA may decrease TXA2 formation in platelets, probably due to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase pathway, and thereby reduce platelet aggregation.     

Inhibition of platelet aggregation and arachidonate metabolism in platelets by procyanidins

The effects of procyanidins on platelet aggregation and arachidonate metabolism in platelets were studied. Nine procyanidins were used in this investigation. Procyanidins B-2-S, EEC and C-1 significantly induced the inhibition of platelet aggregation, and the potency of inhibition was comparable with aspirin. Procyanidin B-2-S was used as a representative of procyanidins for further studies on the effect on arachidonate metabolism. In arachidonate metabolism by fatty acid cyclooxygenase pathway, B-2-S inhibited TXB2 and HHT formation by intact platelets treated with exogenous arachidonic acid. It also inhibited TXB2 formation measured by a specific radioimmunoassay when the cells were challenged with calcium ionophore A23187. In cell-free system, B-2-S inhibited both TXB2 and 12-HETE bioxynthesis in platelet microsome and cytosol, respectively. The inhibitory effect on thromboxane biosynthesis might explain the inhibitory effect of procyanidins on platelet aggregation.     

Antithrombotic effect of onion in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

In the present study, we investigated whether onion has antithrombotic effect in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In diabetic rats, serum thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) level was elevated compared to that in normal, and this elevation in diabetes was significantly inhibited by treatment with onion (0.5 g/ml/kg/day, i.p.) for 4 weeks. In normal rats, the serum TXB(2) level remained unaltered after the treatment with onion. To investigate in vitro effect of onion, we examined its effect on TXB(2) formation, platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid (AA)-release in platelets from diabetic and normal rats. Onion showed a significant inhibitory effect on collagen- or AA-induced TXB(2) formation with greater potency in diabetic platelets than in normal. Similarly, more potent inhibitory effects of onion in diabetes were observed in collagen- or AA-induced platelet aggregation and collagen-induced AA release response. In conclusion, these results suggest that onion can produce more beneficial antithrombotic effect in diabetes.     

Antiplatelet effect of green tea catechins: a possible mechanism through arachidonic acid pathway

We have previously reported that green tea catechins (GTC) showed an antithrombotic activity, which might be due to antiplatelet effect rather than anticoagulation. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of GTC on the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism in order to elucidate a possible antiplatelet mechanism. GTC inhibited the collagen-, AA- and U46619-induced rabbit platelet aggregation in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 61.0+/-2.5, 105.0+/-4.9 and 67.0+/-3.2 microg/ml, respectively. Moreover, GTC administered orally into rats inhibited the AA-induced platelet aggregation ex vivo by 46.9+/-6.1% and 95.4+/-2.2% at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, respectively. [3H]AA liberation induced by collagen in [3H]AA incorporated rabbit platelets was significantly suppressed by GTC compared to the control. GTC also significantly inhibited the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) generations induced by addition of AA in intact rabbit platelets. GTC significantly inhibited TXA2 synthase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release from dense granule was inhibited by GTC in washed platelets. These results suggest that the antiplatelet activity of GTC may be due to the inhibition of TXA2 formation through the inhibition of AA liberation and TXA2 synthase.     

Differential effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on human platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid metabolism

DMSO inhibited human platelet aggregation induced by ADP, AA, PAF, or collagen in a concentration-related manner, in vitro. DMSO was a more effective inhibitor for aggregation induced by ADP and collagen than PAF or AA. However, in vivo experiments on rabbits showed that DMSO did not protect rabbits against death from pulmonary platelet thrombosis induced by AA. On the other hand, DMSO (1-30% v/v) had no effect on thromboxane production by platelets incubated with [14C]AA. Moreover, DMSO stimulated PGE2 production by bovine seminal vesicle PG synthase. DMSO also stimulated the production of 12-HETE but inhibited the production of tri-HETE produced via lipoxygenase pathway. Since lipoxygenase products play an important role in inflammation, our data suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of DMSO are probably not mediated via its action on AA metabolism.     

Equivalent inhibition of in vivo platelet function by low dose and high dose aspirin treatment

In vitro platelet function was inhibited in healthy volunteers by two different doses of aspirin, as confirmed by measurement of maximum serum production of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) by platelets. 75 mg aspirin did not fully inhibit serum TXB2 production after 24 hours, whereas 300 mg aspirin did. Inhibition of platelet function in vitro was maintained by both 75 mg/day aspirin or 300 mg/alternate day aspirin. In contrast, in vivo production of TXB2, measured as urinary levels of the 11-keto-TXB2 metabolite, was inhibited similarly by both doses of aspirin throughout the study. These findings suggest that 75 mg/day aspirin may be sufficient adequately to inhibit platelet aggregation in vivo.     

Influence of the monocyte culture on thromboxane A2 level and platelet aggregation.

The importance of circulating blood cells has been further emphasized as monocytes may also contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The pathological changes in atheroma may be partly mediated by metabolites of arachidonic acid. The aim of this study was determining thromboxane B2 concentrations in the supernatants of monocytes cultures and its influence on platelet aggregation. Human blood monocytes were recovered according to the procedure of B?yum and incubated with LPS. It was shown that monocytes produced thromboxane A2. The culture supernatant of monocytes from 36 h cultivation exerts an independent effect on platelet aggregation, which has been modified by inhibitors of aggregating factors. The results may indicate the influence of monocytes on AA metabolism in particular TXB2 production, platelet function and indirectly on the atherosclerotic process.     

Alpha-bulnesene, a novel PAF receptor antagonist isolated from Pogostemon cablin

Alpha-bulnesene is a sesquiterpenoid isolated from the water extract of Pogostemon cablin. It showed a potent and concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on platelet-activating factor (PAF) and arachidonic acid (AA) induced rabbit platelet aggregation. In a radioligand binding assay for the PAF receptor, alpha-bulnesene competitively inhibited [(3)H]PAF binding to the PAF receptor with an IC(50) value of 17.62+/-5.68microM. alpha-Bulnesene also dose-dependently inhibited PAF-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase in fluo-3/AM-loaded platelets (IC(50) values of 19.62+/-1.32microM). Furthermore, alpha-bulnesene inhibited AA-induced thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) formation and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) formation. These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of alpha-bulnesene on platelet aggregation was due to a dual activity; specifically the chemical blocked PAF-induced intracellular signal transduction and interfered with cyclooxygenase activity, which resulted in a decrease in thromboxane formation. This study is the first to demonstrate that alpha-bulnesene is a PAF receptor antagonist as well as an anti-platelet aggregation agent.     

Inhibition of oxidative-stress-induced platelet aggregation by androgen at physiological levels via its receptor is associated with the reduction of thromboxane A2 release from platelets

BACKGROUND: Platelets play a crucial role in the development of arterial thrombosis and other pathophysiologies leading to clinical ischemic events. Defective regulation of platelet activation/aggregation is a predominant cause for arterial thrombosis. The purposes of our study are to assess the effect of androgen at physiological concentration via its receptor on oxidative-stress-induced platelet aggregation and to further elucidate the possible mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was determined by ELISA using a commercially available kit. Platelet aggregometer was used to measure platelet aggregation. The contents of thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) were assayed with radio-immunoassay. Our results showed that addition of DHT (2 nM) significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (10 mM, 25 mM) in PRP diluted with Tyrode's buffer. Moreover, H(2)O(2)-induced platelet aggregation decreased in sham-operated rats. However, H(2)O(2)-induced platelet aggregation significantly increased in castrated rats. Replacement of DHT inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced platelet aggregation in castrated rats. After PRP was pretreated with flutamide, H(2)O(2)-induced platelet aggregation increased in castrated rats again. Presence of DHT (2 nM) obviously inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) release in castrated rats. Pretreatment of DHT and flutamide increased H(2)O(2)-stimulated TXA(2) release from platelet in castrated rats again. Castration caused a significant reduction in plasma testosterone and DHT levels, whereas DHT replaced at a dose of 0.25 mg/rat restored the circulating DHT to physiological levels, without being altered by treatment with flutamide. The plasma TXB(2) increased in castrated rats as compared with that in sham-operated rats. Replacement with DHT reduced plasma TXB(2) contents in castrated rats. However, flutamide supplementation increased plasma contents of TXB(2) in castrated rats again. CONCLUSION: Androgen at physiological doses via its receptor inhibits oxidative-stress-induced platelet aggregation, which is associated with the reduction of TXA(2) release from platelets.     

Lipoxygenase- and cyclooxygenase-reaction products and incorporation into glycerolipids or radiolabeled arachidonic acid in the bovine retina

The metabolism of radiolabeled arachidonic acid (AA) by the intact bovine retina in vitro has been studied. Synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs), and incorporation of AA into glycerolipids has been measured by reverse-phase and straight-phase high performance liquid chromatography with flow scintillation detection, and by thin-layer chromatography. AA was actively acylated into glycerolipids, particularly triglycerides, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. AA was also converted to the major PGs, PGF2 alpha, PGE2, PGD2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2, and to the lipoxygenase reaction products, 12-HETE, 5-HETE, and other monohydroxy isomers. Approximately 6% of the radiolabeled AA was converted to eicosanoids. The synthesis of HETEs was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 8.3 nM) by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). PG synthesis was inhibited by aspirin (10 microM), indomethacin (1 microM) and NDGA (IC50 = 380 nM). Metabolism of AA via lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase and activation-acylation was inhibited by boiling retinal tissue prior to incubation. These studies demonstrate an active system for the uptake and utilization of AA in the bovine retina, and provide the first evidence of lipoxygenase-mediated metabolism of AA, resulting in the synthesis of mono-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, in the retina.     

Endothelin-1 induces stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis in cells obtained from canine airways by bronchoalveolar lavage.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent mediator released by airway epithelial cells, often exerts its effects in the lung through stimulation of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. To investigate its range of influence, we studied the action of ET-1 on the synthesis and release of thromboxane (TX)B2, prostaglandin (PG)D2, and histamine from canine airway cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). ET-1 (10(-10), 10(-9) and 10(-8)M) stimulated production of TXB2 and PGD2 by BAL cell preparations in a dose-related manner in the absence of measurable histamine release. Release of TXB2 was 10-fold higher than that of PGD2. The effect of ET-1 on AA metabolism in alveolar macrophages was evaluated in preparations of purified (greater than 99%) cells labelled for 20-22 hrs with 3H-AA prior to stimulation. ET-1 (10(-8), 10(-7), 10(-6)M) induced significant, dose-related release of 3H-AA and its metabolites from alveolar macrophages, to levels 350% above control. These studies indicate that low levels of ET-1 can stimulate AA metabolism in resident luminal airway cells, including alveolar macrophages, and suggest that the function of these luminal cells may be modulated by the epithelium, in vivo, through the release of this peptide into the airways.     

In vitro effects of synthetic antioxidants and vitamin E on arachidonic acid metabolism and thromboxane formation in human platelets and on platelet aggregation

The “in vitro” effects of α-tocopherol, butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) were studied on aggregation of human platelets induced by collagen and arachidonic acid (AA), on the metabolic conversion of ¹⁴C AA through the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways and on the formation of thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) in washed platelets after stimulation with collagen.Vitamin E completely inhibited AA induced platelet aggregation only at high concentration (mM) and after 10 minutes of preincubation, with limited effects on AA metabolism in platelets and no effect on TXB₂ formation from endogenous substrate. BHA completely inhibited platelet aggregation in the 10⁻⁶M range, gave 50% inhibition of AA metabolism in the 10⁻⁵M range and almost complete inhibition of thromboxane formation in the 10⁻⁴M range. BHT was about 100 times less active on platelet aggregation and AA metabolism. The lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways were differentially affected at low concentrations of BHA and only at concentrations greater than 5×10⁻⁵M were both pathways depressed.     

The effects of prostaglandins on secretion of glucagon and insulin by the perfused rat pancreas.

The secretion of both glucagon and insulin by the isolated perfused rat pancreas was significantly stimulated by 10(-7) M PGH2. Experiments to show that the stimulated secretion was mediated by conversion of PGH2 to TXA2 or TXB2 revealed no correlation between the amount of secretion and the amount of thromboxane formed. Conversion of PGH2 with a crude platelet thromboxane synthase preparation caused a progressive loss of ability to secret insulin, whereas the capacity to stimulate release of glucagon remained at about one-half the maximal level. This relatively stable and selective secretagogue action on the alpha-cells appeared to be due to the formation of PGD2 by the platelet preparation. Direct administration of PGD2 confirmed this interpretation and showed clearly that this prostaglandin is a potent secretagogue for glucagon with little activity in stimulating the release of insulin. Our results have shown high and relatively equal stimulation of secretion by alpha- and beta-cells with exogenous PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and PGH2, little or no secretion by either cell type with TXA2, TXB2, or PGI2, and a unique selective stimulatory action of PGD2 upon the alpha-cell.     

Effects of lipid-esterified conjugated linoleic acid isomers on platelet function: evidence for stimulation of platelet phospholipase activity

The effects of four conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers on in vitro collagen-induced human platelet aggregation and thromboxane (TXB(2), the inactive metabolite of the proaggregatory TXA(2)) production were examined. As the free fatty acid (FFA), 9t, 11t-CLA was the most effective inhibitor of these two processes (I(50)s of 2.2 and 4 microM, respectively) and the 9c, 11c-CLA was the least effective (I(50)s of 8.3 and 37 microM) of the isomers tested. When platelets were preesterified with either 25 microM 9t, 11t-CLA or 9c, 11c-CLA, CLA incorporation in total platelet lipids increased from 0.24% to 0.31% and 0.38%, and most of this increase was found to be in the phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine subclasses. The decrease in arachidonic acid (AA) content in total fatty acids or phospholipids was an order of magnitude greater. Furthermore, no significant differences between platelets prelabeled with either 9t, 11t- or 9c, 11c-CLA in the inhibition of collagen-induced aggregation and TXB(2) formation were observed. However, platelets prelabeled with 9c, 11c-CLA stimulated basal TXB(2) production (4-fold) which was not observed with platelets pretreated with either 9t, 11t-CLA, linoleic acid or stearic acid. This enhancement was associated with a 2.4-5-fold increase in the release of endogenous AA. Our results suggest that the presence of a conjugated cis, cis double bond appears to change the lipid environment sufficiently to stimulate the basal platelet phospholipase activity, which in turn increases the formation of TXB(2).     

Platelet aggregation and thromboxane release induced by arachidonic acid, collagen, ADP and platelet-activating factor following low dose acetylsalicylic acid in man

The present study was undertaken in order to characterize the dose-dependent nature of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on platelet aggregation and plasma thromboxane B2 (TXB2) release in healthy volunteers. Volunteers received either 25, 50, 100 or 500 mg daily for five consecutive days. At the end of the five day period, all dosages of ASA were capable of completely suppressing TXB2 production and arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation. At that time, the second phase of ADP-induced aggregation was also blocked. However, while the inhibition following 500 mg ASA was complete after 24 hours, total inhibition with 100, 50 and 25 mg was attained only after two, three and four days, respectively, indicating the cumulative effect of ASA on platelets. Aggregation induced by collagen was also inhibited dose-dependently- yet slower and at no time complete. ASA had no inhibitory effect on aggregation by platelet-activating factor (PAF). It is concluded that a daily dose of 50 mg ASA would suffice in blocking platelet TXA2 production and aggregation induced by most physiological agents.     

Spice active principles as the inhibitors of human platelet aggregation and thromboxane biosynthesis

Spice active principles are reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, antilithogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties. In our previous report we have shown that spices and their active principles inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and also formation of leukotriene C4. In this study, we report the modulatory effect of spice active principles viz., eugenol, capsaicin, piperine, quercetin, curcumin, cinnamaldehyde and allyl sulphide on in vitro human platelet aggregation. We have demonstrated that spice active principles inhibit platelet aggregation induced by different agonists, namely ADP (50 μM), collagen (500 μg/ml), arachidonic acid (AA) (1.0 mM) and calcium ionophore A-23187 (20 μM). Spice active principles showed preferential inhibition of arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation compared to other agonists. Among the spice active principles tested, eugenol and capsaicin are found to be most potent inhibitors of AA-induced platelet aggregation with IC50 values of 0.5 and 14.6 μM, respectively. The order of potency of spice principles in inhibiting AA-induced platelet aggregation is eugenol>capsaicin>curcumin>cinnamaldehyde>piperine>allyl sulphide>quercetin. Eugenol is found to be 29-fold more potent than aspirin in inhibiting AA-induced human platelet aggregation. Eugenol and capsaicin inhibited thromboxane B2 (TXB2) formation in platelets in a dose-dependent manner challenged with AA apparently by the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX-1). Eugenol-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation is further confirmed by dose-dependent decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in platelets. Further, eugenol and capsaicin inhibited platelet aggregation induced by agonists—collagen, ADP and calcium ionophore but to a lesser degree compared to AA. These results clearly suggest that spice principles have beneficial effects in modulating human platelet aggregation.     

Antiplatelet,antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects of hydroquinone

Platelets play crucial roles in thrombosis and hemostasis through platelet activation and aggregation that are crucial in cardiovascular diseases. Hydroquinone (HQ) and its derivatives are present in many dermatological creams, paints, motor fuels, air, microorganisms, and plant products like wheat bread, fruit, coffee, and red wine. The effect of HQ on humans is not clear. In this study, we found that HQ (>25 μM) inhibited arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation. HQ suppressed AA-induced thromboxane B2 production of platelets. HQ (>10 μM) also attenuated ex vivo platelet-rich plasma aggregation. HQ prevented the interleukin (IL)-1β-induced 8-isoprostane, and PGE2 production, but not IL-8 production of pulp cells. These results indicate that HQ may have an antiplatelet effect via inhibition of thromboxane production. HQ has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and possible inhibition of COX. Exposure and consumption of HQ-containing products, food or drugs may have antiplatelet, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects.     

Antiplatelet effects of conjugated linoleic acid isomers

Conjugated diene isomers of linoleic acid (CLA) are normal constituents of certain foods and exhibit anticarcinogenic and antiatherogenic properties. In the present study, the effects of several CLA isomers on human platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid metabolism were examined. It was found that 9c,11t-CLA, 10t, 12c-CLA and 13-hydroxy-9c,11t-octadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) inhibited arachidonic acid- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation with I50s in the 5-7 microM range. The nonconjugated 9c, 12c-LA was about 300% and 50%, respectively, less potent an inhibitor with these aggregating agents. Using either thrombin or the calcium ionophore A23187 as aggregating agents, a CLA isomer mix was also found to be more inhibitory than 9c,12c-LA. The 9c,11t- and 10t,12c-CLA isomers as well as the CLA isomer mix inhibited formation of the proaggregatory cyclooxygenase-catalyzed product TXA2, as measured by decreased production of its inactive metabolite [14C]TXB2 from exogenously added [14C]arachidonic acid (I50s=9-16 microM). None of the CLA isomers tested inhibited production of the platelet lipoxygenase metabolite [14C]12-HETE. The additional presence of a hydroxyl group gave opposite results: 13-HODE (I50=3 microM) was about 4-fold more potent a cyclooxygenase inhibitor than the 9c,11t-CLA isomer but 9-HODE was 2- to 3-fold less effective an inhibitor (I50=34 microM) of [14C]TXB2 formation than the corresponding 10t,12c-CLA. In both the aggregation and arachidonic acid metabolism experiments, the inhibitory effects of CLA on platelets were reversible and dependent on the time of addition of either the aggregating agent or the [14C]arachidonic acid substrate. These studies suggest that CLA isomers may also possess antithrombotic properties.     

Extract of a spice--omum (Trachyspermum ammi)-shows antiaggregatory effects and alters arachidonic acid metabolism in human platelets

An ethereal extract of omum (Trachyspermum ammi; Hindustani: ajwan)--a frequently consumed spice--was found to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA), epinephrine and collagen; in this respect it was most effective against AA-induced aggregation. Inhibition of aggregation by omum could be explained by its effect on platelet thromboxane production as suggested by the following experimental observation. (i) Omum reduced TxB2 formation in intact platelet preparations from added arachidonate, and (ii) it reduced the formation of TxB2 from AA-labelled platelets after stimulation with Ca2+-ionophore A23187 by a direct action on cyclooxygenase as it did not affect the release of AA from labelled platelets. An increased formation of lipoxygenase-derived products from exogenous AA in omum-treated platelets was apparently due to redirection of AA from cyclooxygenase to the lipoxygenase pathway.