In vivo redirection of prostaglandin endoperoxides into 6-keto PGF1 alpha formation by thromboxane synthetase inhibitors in the rat.

N(7-Carboxyheptyl) imidazole, 4-[2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) ethoxy] benzoic acid (dazoxiben) and imidazo [1,5-alpha] pyridine-5-hexanoic acid (CGS 13080) are potent selective inhibitors of platelet thromboxane synthetase that have little or no effect on the cyclooxygenase activity. Oral doses of the substances given to rats inhibited platelet thromboxane B2 production induced by intra-venous administration of collagen (100 micrograms/kg). Plasma concentrations of immunoreactive 6-keto PGF1 alpha in treated animals were increased above corresponding concentrations in untreated animals. There were small effects on the thrombocytopenia with CGS 13080 and carboxyheptylimidazole but not with dazoxiben. However these results did not always achieve statistical significance. Confirmation that the immunoreactive prostaglandin measured was actually 6-keto PGF1 alpha was obtained by the facts that indomethacin abolished its appearance in plasma and that the other prostaglandins were not present in sufficient quantities to cross-react with the antiserum to 6-keto PGF1 alpha. Two different antisera to 6-keto PGF1 alpha detected the same changes. Administration of thromboxane synthetase inhibitors to rats causes redirection of prostaglandin production from thromboxane to prostacyclin when platelets are stimulated with collagen in vivo.