| Abstract: | We have previously reported that estradiol treatment stimulates prostacyclin production by cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells, through the stimulation of fatty acid cyclooxygenase and prostacyclin synthetase activities. In order to see whether estradiol stimulates the fatty acid cyclooxygenase activity in platelets, intact rats were treated with estradiol, and thromboxane biosynthesis in platelets and prostacyclin production by aortas were investigated. Estradiol significantly stimulates prostacyclin production by aortas. However, no significant effect on thromboxane biosynthesis in platelets is observed. Our present results support the idea that estradiol would be a protective hormone in atherosclerotic heart disease. |
