Thromboxane synthesis inhibitors and receptor antagonists

Abstract

The biochemical, functional and clinical consequences of thromboxane (TX) A 2 synthesis inhibition and receptor antagonism are reviewed, with emphasis on human studies in health and disease. Both platelet and glomerular TXA 2 synthesis and action are discussed as potential targets for cyclooxygenase inhibitors, TX-synthase inhibitors and TXA 2-receptor antagonists. While Aspirin remains the reference standard for new agents aimed at suppressing TXA 2-dependent platelet activation, both synthase inhibitors and receptor antagonists might have a unique therapeutic potential in affecting TXA 2-dependent loss of renal function.