Prostacyclin-formation by the rabbit aorta: relation to atherosclerosis.

The Prostacyclin (PGI2)-formation of the aortic vessel wall of normal and of atherosclerotic rabbits was measured by punching out and incubating small pieces of the vessel wall. In atherosclerotic rabbits the pieces taken from plaques produced more PGI2 than pieces taken from normal areas nearby. In addition, distinct differences were seen between different regions of the aorta. An investigation in normal rabbits of the regional distribution of the PGI2-producing capacity between the aortic valve and the bifurcation showed the highest production at places where the earliest and most severe atherosclerotic changes were observed in the atherosclerotic animals.