Measurements of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and thromboxane B2 in bleeding time blood: relation to bleeding and vascular disorders?

The body's ability to produce prostacyclin and thromboxane by blood vessels and platelets may be important in hemostatic and thrombotic disorders and in blood pressure regulation. There are limitations to the information that can be derived from measurement of the active substances or metabolites in plasma and urine. Assays for thromboxane and prostacyclin in bleeding time blood reflect production in response to a single standardized vascular injury, and show considerable promise in furthering our understanding of the production of these chemicals in vivo. These assays may improve the assessment of risk of developing thrombotic disorders and improve the ability to monitor treatment. Studies to date have focused largely on the influences of various doses of aspirin on the production of prostacyclin and thromboxane in bleeding time blood, but also suggest that smokers are high thromboxane producers. In addition, individuals who exhibit type A behavior, a behavior pattern characterized by a relatively high level of ambitiousness, hostility, and competitive drive and a chronic sense of urgency appear to be low prostacyclin producers. Diets enriched in sunflower oil were found to diminish thromboxane production, while diets high in canola oil enhanced prostacyclin formation.