Effects of a selective inhibitor of thromboxane synthetase on human blood platelet behaviour

Abstract

The selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor UK-34787 always inhibited thromboxane and malondialdehyde generation in intact platelets but had diverse effects on platelet behaviour. At concentrations similar to those required to inhibit thromboxane synthesis, UK-34787 inhibited arachidonate-induced aggregation and release reaction in platelet rich plasma from some, but not all, individuals. On this basis, individuals were designated “responders” or “non-responders”. Low concentrations of UK-34787 inhibited platelet responses to collagen but only a high concentration had any effect on platelet responses to adrenaline or adenosine diphosphate.