Influence of selective thromboxane synthetase blocker CGS-13080 on thromboxane and prostacyclin biosynthesis in whole blood: evidence for synthesis of prostacyclin by leukocytes from platelet-derived endoperoxides.

Increase in thromboxane A2 (TXA2) generation has been proposed as a mechanism of dynamic vaso-occlusion and in vivo platelet thrombus formation. We have examined the effects of CGS-13080, an imidazole derivative, on rabbit and human TXA2-prostacyclin (PGI2) "balance." In rabbits given CGS-13080, serum levels of TXB2 (stable metabolite of TXA2) were inhibited 81% at 2 hours and 56% at 24 hours (both P less than or equal to 0.01). Collagen-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited at 2 hours after CGS-13080 administration. In contrast, serum levels of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (stable hydrolysis product of PGI2) increased 587% compared with control values at 2 hours (P less than or equal to 0.01). Platelet and white blood cell counts were not significantly altered. In human blood incubated in vitro with CGS-13080, serum TXB2 was completely inhibited, whereas PGI2 generation was stimulated (both P less than or equal to 0.001). In other experiments, we demonstrated uptake of platelet-generated cyclic endoperoxides by leukocytes and generation of PGI2 in the presence of CGS-13080 but not indomethacin. Thus, CGS-13080 inhibits TXA2 and stimulates PGI2 production in rabbit and human blood. Increase in PGI2 generation with TXA2 inhibition may be of potential benefit in conditions characterized by platelet hyperactivity.