Effects of 10 ppm nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure on the contents of prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane (TX) B2 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of rats were studied. In the BAL of normal rats, the amounts of PGs and TXB2 in the whole lavage were 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (38.0 +/- 6.4 ng) greater than TXB2 (11.8 +/- 4.0 ng) greater than PGF2 alpha (5.7 +/- 1.6 ng) much greater than PGE (0.5 +/- 0.3 ng). Rats were exposed to NO2 for 1,3,5,7 and 14 days. The NO2 exposure decreased in the level of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha by about 35% throughout the exposure. The level of TXB2 was higher in the day 5 exposure group (155%). The contents of PGF2 alpha and PGE first, decreased and then transiently increased on days 3 and 5. PG 15-hydroxy-dehydrogenase activity of lung homogenate decreased correspondingly on day 3 and 5. Then the contents PGF2 alpha and PGE decreased on day 7 and 14. 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2 are stable metabolites of PGI2, a strong bronchorelaxant and TXA2, a strong bronchoconstrictor respectively. Therefore the results suggested that the decrease in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, a major prostanoid in the BAL and the increase in TXB2 may correlate with broncho constriction by NO2 exposure.

An increased urinary excretion of thromboxane (Tx)B2 (Geoffroy & al., Hypertension 1986, 4 suppl 3: S37) and an elevated renal sympathetic activity (Sautel & al., Am J Physiol 1988, 255: H736) were simultaneously observed in the developing genetically hypertensive rat of the Lyon strain (LH). In the present work, the relationship between the adrenergic stimulation and prostaglandins (PGs) release was studied using isolated perfused kidney of 8 week-old LH rats and their normotensive controls (LN). Phenylephrine (PHE, 5 - 190 x 10(-8) M) and norepinephrine (NE, 1.2 - 96 x 10(-8) M) were administered in a single pass kidney perfused with a cell free solution and their effects were studied on the renal vascular resistances (RVR) and urinary excretion of TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (6KPGF) measured by specific radioimmunoassays after separation by HPLC. The results (mean +/- SE) obtained before (C) and after PHE and NE perfusions at concentrations: D1 = 31 and 10.5; D2 = 190 and 96 10(-8) M for PHE and NE respectively (* p less than 0.05 ** p less than 0.01 *** p less than 0.001 LH vs LN) were as follows: [table: see text] During the control period, kidneys of LH rats exhibited increased RVR when compared to LN controls but a similar PG excretion. The 2 concentrations of PHE and NE used which produced a similar increase in RVR strikingly stimulated the PG excretion. This effect which was more marked for NE than for PHE did not differ between the 2 strains for 6KPGF but was enhanced for TxB2 in kidney of LH rat.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Release of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and accumulation of 3H-noradrenaline (3H-NA) by a synaptosomal fraction of rat brain were investigated. TXB2 release was temperature-dependent and was inhibited by three different TX-synthetase inhibitors: imidazole, 9,11-azoprosta-5,13-dieonic acid (AZO) and 11,9-epoxyiminoprosta-5,13-dionic acid (EPI). While high concentrations of imidazole decreased the 3H-NA accumulation in the synaptosomes significantly, AZO and EPI were ineffective. The results show that TX synthesis is not essential for 3H-NA uptake and the effect of imidazole in 3H-NA accumulation is unrelated to its inhibitory effect on the enzyme TX-synthetase.

Previous studies in bullfrogs have demonstrated the presence of leukotriene (LT)C4 binding sites in the brain. However, synthesis of eicosanoids by brain tissue has not been examined. Because prostaglandin (PG) synthesis differs in warm- and cold-acclimated bullfrog lung tissue, this study compared the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in brains from warm-(22 degrees C) and cold-acclimated (5 degrees C) animals. Initial experiments determined that leukotriene and prostaglandin production rates were greatest during the initial 30 min time period. Therefore, tissues were incubated in Munsick's solution and gassed with 95% O2, 5% CO2 for 30 min. Media were analyzed by radioimmunoassay for LTC4, LTB4, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, TXB2, and 6-keto PGF1 alpha. In warm-acclimated bullfrog brains, production was as follows: LTC4>> PGE2>> 6-keto PGF1 alpha, thromboxane (TX)B2, LTB4, and PGF2 alpha. Brain tissues from cold-acclimated animals incubated at 22 degrees C produced significantly greater quantities of PGE2 and 6-keto PGF1 alpha than did brains from warm-acclimated animals. Stimulation of TXB2 levels was observed when the animal was stunned with a blow to the head prior to decapitation. Indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, decreased prostaglandin but not leukotriene synthesis. Epinephrine (4 x 10(-8) M), the amphibian sympathetic postganglionic neurotransmitter, stimulated leukotriene synthesis by brains from warm-acclimated bullfrogs, and the effect was blocked with the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor MK-886 (5 x 10(-5) M). These results clearly indicate that the bullfrog brain synthesized both leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Further studies are necessary to determine their function in the amphibian central nervous system.

The aim of this clinical prospective study was to determine the effect of indobufen upon synthetic graft patency in femoral-popliteal/crural position. 15 operated patients were observed during the three-month period. One day prior to operation patients were given 400 mg of indobufen perorally. The same daily dose was continued on the first postoperative day as well as during the following three months. Blood levels of 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F1alpha (stable metabolite of PGI2) and thromboxane (Tx) B2 (stable metabolite of TxA2) were determined by RIA before indobufen administration, i.e., one day and three months postoperatively. The three-month patency of grafts was achieved in 86% of cases. Plasma levels in all observed time periods showed significantly reduced TxB2, increased 6-keto-PGF1alpha, and higher PGI2 levels compared with TxA2 that could suggest the normalization of aggregation/antiaggregation process.

In order to examine the effect of cimetidine on the production of prostanoids in the stomach mucosa, the amounts of prostaglandin (PG) E2, F1 alpha and thromboxane (TX) B2 were determined after the specimens from the rat stomach corpus were incubated in the presence of cimetidine. Cimetidine significantly stimulated the production of PGE2 in the specimens at a concentration of 10 microM, but did not significantly affect the production of PGF1 alpha and TXB2 at concentrations of 1 to 100 microM.

The effects of muscarinic receptor stimulation by infusions of methacholine (6.25 x 10(-8) mol/min or 1.9 x 10(-7) mol/min) into isolated perfused, spontaneously beating sensitized guinea-pig hearts on the anaphylactic release of cysteinyl-leukotrienes (LT) and thromboxane (TX) B2 were investigated. Methacholine increased coronary flow and decreased heart rate under basal conditions. Furthermore, infusions of methacholine (1.9 x 10(-7) mol/min) significantly increased the anaphylactic release of TXB2 as well as of immunoreactive cysteinyl-LT, which were demonstrated by reversed phase high pressure liquid chromatography to consist of a mixture of LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4. Infusions of atropine (1.3 x 10(-7) mol/min) alone did not significantly affect coronary flow and heart rate prior to ovalbumin injection nor anaphylactic release of cysteinyl-LT. The anaphylactic release of TXB2 was, however, significantly decreased in the presence of atropine. Atropine (1.3 x 10(-7) mol/min) infused in addition to methacholine (1.9 x 10(-7) mol/min) abolished the effects of the muscarinic receptor agonist on spontaneous heart rate and significantly antagonized the increase in coronary flow prior to ovalbumin injection. Similarly, the simultaneous infusion of atropine abolished the effects of methacholine on the anaphylactic release of TXB2 and cysteinyl-LT. After antigen challenge hearts infused with methacholine, atropine or the combination of both drugs did not exhibit any differences with respect to anaphylactic changes of heart rate or the time course of anaphylactic coronary flow reduction. Thus, in the isolated perfused anaphylactic guinea-pig heart, muscarinic receptor stimulation significantly enhanced the release of the arachidonic acid-derived mediators TXB2 and cysteinyl-LT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The disposition of a new thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, 6-(1-imidazolylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid (DP-1904) upon administration of a single 200-mg oral dose to normal Japanese volunteers was studied. DP-1904 proved to be rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and converted to its ester glucuronide, which appeared in plasma within 30 min after dosing. The AUCs of DP-1904 and its ester glucuronide were 7.23 +/- 0.54 and 7.93 +/- 0.86 micrograms.h/ml (mean +/- S.E., n = 5), respectively. Both compounds were also eliminated very rapidly from the body (half-lives greater than 60 min). The primary route of elimination was renal, with 52.1 +/- 2.2 and 37.6 +/- 1.6% of the dose being excreted in the urine as the unchanged form and the glucuronide conjugate within 48 h, respectively. The cumulative fecal excretion rates of DP-1904 up to 48 h after dosing were approximately 0.5%. The main metabolite of DP-1904 in humans was DP-1904 glucuronide. Serum thromboxane (TX) B2 levels were reduced more than 98% within 1 h after dosing. There was still more than 75% suppression of serum TXB2 levels at 12 h after dosing. At 72 h TXB2 concentrations returned to control levels. These data indicate that DP-1904 is a potent and long-acting thromboxane synthetase inhibitor.

The current study was undertaken to compare the effects of pulmonary oedema producing toxin (PO-Tx) isolated from Mesobuthus tamulus venom on cardio-respiratory reflexes with exogenously administered bradykinin (BK) and to delineate the type of BK receptors mediating these responses. Jugular venous injection of phenyldiguanide (PDG) in anaesthetized rats produced reflex bradycardia, hypotension and apnoea. The PDG-induced reflex was augmented (two folds) by PO-Tx. The pulmonary water content in PO-Tx treated group was also increased. The PO-Tx-induced reflex changes as well as pulmonary oedema were blocked by-Hoe-140 implicating the involvement of B2 kinin receptors. Exogenous BK also produced augmentation (two folds) of the PDG-induced reflexes and increased the pulmonary water content. The BK-induced augmentation was blocked by pre-treatment with des-Arg10 Hoe 140 (a B1 receptor antagonist) and Hoe 140 (B2 receptor antagonist). However, these antagonists did not prevent the development of BK-induced pulmonary oedema. Present results indicate that PO-Tx augmented the PDG-induced reflex responses similar to BK and the PO-Tx induced augmentation of reflexes is mediated through B2 receptors.

OBJECTIVE

In two studies we have compared the effects of four different saturated fat diets (medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), and lauric, myristic and palmitic acids) with those of a monounsaturated oleic acid diet on in-vitro whole blood aggregation in healthy women and men.

METHODS

Study 1 had a cross-over design with three diet periods of each six weeks, and studied the effects of diets enriched in lauric, palmitic or oleic acids. Study 2 had a parallel design. After a three week oleic acid run-in diet, three groups of subjects were formed which consumed either an MCFA, myristic acid or oleic acid rich diet for six weeks.

METHODS

Eighteen women and 14 men in Study 1 and 37 women and 23 men in Study 2. All subjects were healthy and were aged 20-60 y.

METHODS

The experimental diets were the same in nutrient composition except for on average 8 En% (Study 1) or 10 En% (Study 2) which was provided by either MCFA, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid or oleic acid. Blood samples were taken at the end of each dietary period. Whole blood platelet aggregation, anticoagulated with recombinant hirudin was assessed after administration of collagen (final concentration (fc): 0.38 microgram/mL) in Study 1 and collagen (fc: 0.22 microgram/mL) or ADP (fc: 1.25 mumol/L) in Study 2. Collagen-induced formation of thromboxane (Tx)A2, measured as thromboxane (Tx)B2, was evaluated in Study 1 only.

RESULTS

The aggregation velocity between the saturated fatty acid diets and the monounsaturated fatty acid diet did not differ. TxB2 concentrations measured in collagen activated blood samples, which correlated significantly with aggregation velocity, did not differ between the lauric or the palmitic compared with the oleic acid diet. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that collagen-induced aggregation was negatively correlated with the number of red blood cells. ADP-induced aggregation also correlated negatively with red blood cell count, and positively with platelet count.

CONCLUSIONS

The exchange of 7-10 En% from oleic acid for MCFA, lauric, myristic or palmitic acid does not affect in-vitro whole blood aggregation induced by collagen. ADP-induced aggregation is not affected when 10 En% from oleic acid is exchanged for MCFA or myristic acid.

In continuation of investigations on primary hyperlipidaemias, we determined serum thromboxane (TX) B2 and prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha after standardized blood clotting in patients without hyperlipidaemia and without (group 1, n = 11) or with coronary heart disease (CHD; group 2, n = 5), in patients with familial combined hyperlipoproteinaemia and without (group 3, n = 4) or with CHD (group 4, n = 5), as well as in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia and CHD (group 5, n = 5). TXB2 was detected by gas chromatography and PGF2 alpha by means of radioimmunoassay. The TXB2 level did not differ significantly between the groups, but there was a tendency to higher values in hyperlipidaemia, while in group 5 the level tended to decrease with rising serum LDL-cholesterol and in group 3 it tended to increase with rising serum apolipoprotein B. The PGF2 alpha level was significantly lower in group 4 than in groups 1 and 3. It showed in group 5 a negative correlation with serum LDL-cholesterol and in group 3 a positive correlation with serum triglycerides.

Platelet function after thrombin stimulation, the fatty acid composition of individual phospholipids, and levels of lipid components (cholesterol, cholesterol ester, phospholipids and triglycerides) were determined in total membranes of platelets from hyperlipidaemic (HL) and control subjects. Platelet aggregation, thromboxane (TX) B2 production and serotonin release was significantly greater in HL patients than in controls. Levels of platelet cholesterol, total phospholipids, cholesterol ester and triglycerides, were significantly higher in the HL patients. Small differences between the two groups were observed for the phospholipid fatty acid patterns. However, levels of arachidonic acid (AA) were significantly higher in phosphatidylinositol (PI) of HL patients (40.01 +/- 6.59 mol%) as compared to the controls (31.52 +/- 9.91 mol%) (P = 0.002). The higher levels of AA in PI, which is considered a donor pool for eicosanoid synthesis, may be an additional mechanism for the well documented platelet hyperfunction and greater TXB2 production in hyperlipidaemic subjects.

The urinary concentrations of prostaglandins(PG) E2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (6KPGF) and thromboxane (Tx) B2 were measured by RIA method during both hypotonic polyuria (oral water load) and subsequent antidiuresis (low-dose infusion of lysine-8-vasopressin). The study was performed on healthy women either in normal potassium balance (N, n = 14) or sustained potassium depletion (D3, n = 6). Potassium depletion (KD) was induced by low potassium dietary intake (less than or equal to 10 mmol/d) and natriuretic treatment over a period of 8 days; the net losses of NaCl and H2O were replaced; the cumulative potassium deficit was 198 +/- 22 mmol. Further studies were performed after indomethacin treatment in both experimental conditions. 1) As compared to normal potassium balance in KD group the urinary prostanoid excretions were reduced even in absence of significant differences in urinary flow rate. The urinary excretion of 6KPGF was more impaired than that of TxB2 in both polyuria and antidiuresis. 2) Indomethacin inhibited the urinary prostanoid excretions in normal potassium balance and KD groups. The urinary excretion of PGE2 was more impaired than that of both 6KPGF and TxB2.

To assess the potential role of vasoactive cardiac eicosanoids in the modulation of coronary flow, we measure thromboxane(TX)B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin(PG)F1 alpha, PGE2 and sulphido-peptide leukotrienes (LTC4, D4, E4) in the coronary effluent of isolated perfused rat heart in both baseline and post-ischaemic conditions. Leukotrienes were undetectable. The order of production rate for the other eicosanoids was 6-keto-PGF1 alpha>> TXB2>> PGE2. Production of such substances was increased about seven-fold over control after 5 min. global ischaemia; experiments with hypoxia showed that this was due to an actual increase in synthesis and not to a washout effect. A platelet source for TXB2 was excluded by 111In platelet labelling experiments. We assessed relative sensitivity to inhibition of cardiac TX synthesis relative to production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha to inhibition by aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and the specific thromboxane synthase inhibitor OKY-046. Aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac decreased 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production at a concentration always greater than required for a similar extent of TX inhibition. On the other hand a selective inhibition >> 90%) of TX was observed in the presence of OKY-046. Regression analysis of various 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/TXB2 ratios, as obtained in these different conditions, vs coronary flow, showed no correlation in baseline conditions, but a significant positive correlation (r = 0.59, P < 0.01) for post-ischaemic values. These data suggest a role for cardiac eicosanoids, including a non-platelet, cardiac-derived TX, in modulating the hyperaemic response in the isolated rat heart.

To study whether amnioscopy causes a local release of prostaglandins (PG), the peripheral plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha (M-PGF2 alpha)(a metabolite of PGF2 alpha), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (a metabolite of prostacyclin) and thromboxane B2 (a metabolite of thromboxane A2) were measured with radioimmunoassays in 12 women between 36 and 40 weeks of pregnancy before and after amnioscopy. The levels of M-PGF2 alpha and thromboxane B2 rose significantly between 10 and 30 min after amnioscopy but dropped to pre-amnioscopy levels within 60 min, whereas the 6-keto-PGF1 alpha concentration did not change. These findings suggest a local release of PGF2 alpha and Tx-A2 in the myometrium and/or intrauterine tissues as a consequence of amnioscopy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the use of mixture of BaSO4 and biodegradable polymer as an injectable nonmetallic fiducial marker to reduce artifacts in x-ray images, decrease the absorbed dose distortion in proton therapy, and replace permanent metal markers.

METHODS

Two samples were made with 90 wt. % polymer phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and 10 wt. % BaSO4 (B1) or 20 wt. % BaSO4 (B2). Two animal models (mice and rats) were used. To test the injectability and in vivo gelation, a volume of 200 μl at a pH 5.8 were injected into the Sprague-Dawley rats. After sacrificing the rats over time, the authors checked the gel morphology. Detectability of the markers in the x-ray images was tested for two sizes (diameters of 1 and 2 mm) for B1 and B2. Four samples were injected into BALB/C mice. The polymer mixed with BaSO4 transform from SOL at 20 °C with a pH of 6.0 to GEL in the living body at 37 °C with a pH of 7.4, so the size of the fiducial marker could be controlled by adjusting the injected volume. The detectability of the BaSO4 marker was measured in x-ray images of cone beam CT (CBCT), on-board imager [anterior-posterior (AP), lateral], and fluoroscopy (AP, lateral) using a Novalis-TX (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) repeatedly over 4 months. The volume, HU, and artifacts for the markers were measured in the CBCT images. Artifacts were compared to those of gold marker by analyzing the HU distribution. The dose distortion in proton therapy was computed by using a Monte Carlo (MC) code. A cylindrical shaped marker (diameter: 1 or 2 mm, length: 3 mm) made of gold, stainless-steel [304], titanium, and 20 wt. % BaSO4 was positioned at the center of the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) in parallel or perpendicular to the beam entrance. The dose distortion was measured on the depth dose profile across the markers.

RESULTS

Transformation to GEL and the biodegradation were verified. All BaSO4 markers could be detected in the CBCT. In the OBI and fluoroscopy images, all markers visible in the AP, but only B2(2 mm) could be identified in the lateral images. Changes of BaSO4 position were not detected in vivo (mice). The volume of the markers decreased by up to 65% and the HU increased by 22%, on average. The mean HU values around the B1, B2, and gold markers were 121.30 [standard deviation (SD): 54.86], 126.31 (SD: 62.13), and 1070.7 (SD: 235.16), respectively. The MC-simulated dose distortion for the BaSO4 markers was less than that of the commercially used markers. The dose reduction due to the gold marker was largest (15.05%) followed by stainless steel (7.92%) and titanium (6.92%). Dose reduction by B2 (2 mm) was 4.75% and 0.53% in parallel and perpendicular orientations, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

BaSO4 mixed with PBS is a good contrast agent in biodegradable polymer marker because of minimal artifacts in x-ray images and minimal dose reduction in proton therapy. The flexibility of the size is considered to be an advantage of this material over solid type fiducials.

The combined effects of alcohol and cigarette smoking on the cerebral circulation are unknown. The current study was designed (1) to compare the acute effects on cerebral vessels of cigarette smoking alone with those of alcohol plus cigarette smoking and (2) to clarify the mechanism or mechanisms underlying the cerebrovascular responses. In pentobarbital-anesthetized, mechanically ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats, we measured pial vessel diameters with the use of a cranial window preparation. Rats, pretreated with alcohol (n = 6; 1 g/kg/h, i.v.; 1-h infusion from t = -60 min to t = 0) or with saline (n = 6), were exposed to 60 puffs per minute of mainstream smoke from a 1 mg-nicotine cigarette. Inhalation of smoke caused pial arterioles to constrict at t = 30 s (8.4%) and, subsequently, to dilate (peak at t = 5-10 min; 18.7%). Pretreatment with alcohol caused pial vasodilation (14.0%), and, after inhalation of cigarette smoke, the pial vasodilation occurred earlier (peak at t = 1-5 min; 30.2%) and was larger, without an initial vasoconstriction. The plasma concentration of thromboxane (TX) B2 (a stable metabolite of TXA2) increased after this smoking, and alcohol pretreatment attenuated this increase (protocol as above). Cigarette smoking had a significant biphasic effect on cerebral arteriolar tone. However, alcohol suppressed the initial vasoconstriction, probably, at least in part, by attenuating the smoking-induced TXA2 production.

Following the intravenous administration of thromboxane (TX) B2, the stable hydration product of TXA2, to human and nonhuman primates the most abundant urinary metabolites are 2,3-dinor-TXB2 and 11-dehydro-TXB2. However, it is not known whether fractional conversion of TXB2 to its enzymatic metabolites is an accurate representation of TXA2 metabolism. Thus, we have compared the metabolic disposition of synthetic TXA2 and TXB2 via the beta-oxidation and 11-OH-dehydrogenase pathways in vivo in the monkey. TXA2 or TXB2 (20 ng/kg) was intravenously administered to four cynomolgus monkeys pretreated with aspirin in order to suppress endogenous TXA2 production. Urinary TXB2, 2,3-dinor-TXB2 and 11-dehydro-TXB2 were measured before, during and up to 24 h after thromboxane administration by means of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography radioimmunoassay. Aspirin treatment suppressed urinary 2,3-dinor-TXB2 and 11-dehydro-TXB2 by approx. 75%. A similar fractional conversion of TXA2 and TXB2 into 2,3-dinor-TXB2 and 11-dehydro-TXB2 was found. These results suggest that TXA2 is hydrolyzed to TXB2 prior to enzymatic degradation and that metabolites of the latter represent reliable indices of TXA2 biosynthesis. Due to the variability in the conversion of thromboxanes into 2,3-dinor-TXB2 and 11-dehydro-TXB2, the measurement of both metabolites seems to represent a more reliable index of acute changes in TXA2 production.

In order to characterize the prostacyclin and thromboxane system during gestosis the stable degradation products 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PG F1 alpha) and thromboxane B2 (TX B2) have been determined by radioimmunoassay in amniotic fluid and maternal venous plasma from 16 normotensive pregnant women and 14 patients with preeclampsia. At preeclampsia as well in amniotic fluid as in plasma a tendency towards lowered levels of 6-keto-PG F1 alpha and at the same time increased levels of TX B2 may be visualized. In the plasma generally significant higher levels of both 6-keto-PG F1 alpha and TX B2 than in amniotic fluid have been established. The imbalance between anti-aggregatory and vasodilatatory prostacyclin and proaggregatory and vasoconstrictory thromboxane in preeclampsia is indicated by an increase of the ratio TX B2/6-keto-PG F1 alpha from 1.38 to 2.44 in amniotic fluid and from 1.88 to 2.81 in plasma.

Hemoglobin (Hb) solutions can cause vasoconstriction and activation of intravascular coagulation. Because the endothelium plays a major role in the regulation of vascular tone and hemostasis, a study was conducted of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EC) incubated with various Hbs. Cell injury was evaluated by electron microscopy and the release of lactic dehydrogenase, H2O2, and procoagulant "tissue factor." Cell reaction was assessed by the measurement of 6-keto-prostaglandin F (PGF)1 alpha (metabolite of prostacyclin) and thromboxane B2 (metabolite of thromboxane A2). Incubation with unmodified bovine hemoglobin for 24 h caused no cell injury and a reaction characterized by 48.4 +/- 8.2% increase in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production, accompanied by 40.2 +/- 9.4% reduction in thromboxane (Tx)B2 (compared with a control group of EC incubated with saline solution). Incubation with a nonpure Hb solution (Hb plus red blood cell membrane aminophospholipids; a-PLs) caused cell injury with significant release of tissue factor, plus a reaction characterized by 97.5 +/- 12.5% increase in TxB2 production accompanied by 25.3 +/- 3% reduction in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. A second nonpure Hb [Hb plus bacterial environmental endotoxin (E)] caused cell injury, the release of tissue factor, and increased production of both prostaglandins, with greater release of TxB2 (197 +/- 17%) than of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (112 +/- 8.3%). These data indicate that the endothelium reacts differently to pure and nonpure hemoglobins. The biocompatibility of Hb solutions, with regard to vasoconstriction and activation of intravascular coagulation, depends on the absence of stromal a-PLs and bacterial E.

Urinary excretion of 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2 as a marker of in vivo thromboxane A2 (TxA2) biosynthesis was measured in six alcoholics 1 and 14 days after the cessation of heavy drinking using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Six non-alcoholic healthy volunteers served as controls. One day after alcohol withdrawal the excretion of the dinor metabolite was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the alcoholics (408 +/- 42 pg mg-1 creatinine) than in the controls (180 +/- 30 pg mg-1 creatinine) and was accompanied by a significantly reduced platelet count (103.0 +/- 20.2 x 10(9) l-1 vs. 194.0 +/- 13.9 x 10(9) l-1 in controls; P < 0.01). The metabolite excretion fell then significantly (P < 0.05) to 245 +/- 53 pg mg-1 creatinine 14 days after alcohol withdrawal and this was paralleled by an increase in platelet count to 453.5 +/- 72.0 x 10(9) l-1 (P < 0.05). The present results support the hypothesis that Tx-A2 biosynthesis is increased in early alcohol withdrawal and strongly suggest platelets as a cellular origin of the increased TxA2 formation.

Soluble rat tail tendon collagen produced respiratory distress, agitation, convulsions and finally death in rabbits when infused intravenously (i.v.) in lethal doses. Similar observations were noted when a lethal dose of arachidonic acid (unsaturated essential fatty acid) was infused. These agents caused thrombocytopenia, indicative of in vivo platelet aggregation, hypotension and increased levels of thromboxane (TX) B2 (a stable metabolite of TXA2) in the plasma. Histopathological examination of lung, heart and liver tissue indicated that the lungs and livers of treated animals were adversely affected, while heart tissues appeared to be normal. Histopathological examination of lung and liver tissues of animals pretreated with garlic, then treated with a lethal dose of collagen or arachidonic acid showed a significant reduction in the damage observed compared to animals not pretreated with garlic.

Ingestion of aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid: ASA) may promote bleeding complications due to inhibition of thromboxane biosynthesis, which results in the prolongation of bleeding time. The effect is believed to be achieved by the irreversible acetylation of the enzyme cyclooxygenase by aspirin. This alteration in platelet function by aspirin prohibits its use in patients with bleeding disorders such as haemophiliacs. Choline magnesium trisalicylate (CMT; Napp Laboratories Ltd) is a non-acetylated salicylate with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects similar to that of aspirin. However, despite a comparable salicylate absorption from the two drugs, CMT is found to have no inhibitory action in platelet aggregation and to cause less gastric mucosal damage and gastrointestinal blood loss than aspirin. To investigate the role of the acetyl moiety in the inhibition of platelet thromboxane biosynthesis, we studied the effect of CMT and ASA on bleeding time, serum thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and thromboxane (Tx) generation in healthy volunteers.

The effects of a 7 day-treatment with isoxicam (200 mg/24 h) on the urinary excretion of prostaglandins (PG) were compared to those of indomethacin (150 mg/24 h) in a double-blind randomized study conducted in 18 patients with degenerative arthritic disease and normal renal function. Indomethacin decreased the urinary excretion of PGF2 alpha by about 70% and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane (Tx)B2, the stable break-down products of prostacyclin and TxA2 respectively, by about 40%. Isoxicam effects on urinary PG did not significantly differ from those of indomethacin. During both treatments, urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase and N- acetyl-glucosaminidase remained stable and none of the changes in the urinary excretion of PGs could be related to either plasma or urinary drug concentrations. In conclusion, chronic administration of isoxicam inhibited the renal PG biosynthesis to a similar extent than indomethacin which suggests that non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of the oxicam group ought also be used cautiously in patients with renal impairment.