Thromboxane Synthase Activity Research Articles

Antiplatelet Effects of Flavonoid Aglycones Are Mediated by Activation of Cyclic Nucleotide-Dependent Protein Kinases.

Flavonoid aglycones are secondary plant metabolites that exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiplatelet effects. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying their inhibitory effect on platelet activation remain poorly understood. In this study, we applied flow cytometry to analyze the effects of six flavonoid aglycones (luteolin, myricetin, quercetin, eriodictyol, kaempferol, and apigenin) on platelet activation, phosphatidylserine externalization, formation of reactive oxygen species, and intracellular esterase activity. We found that these compounds significantly inhibit thrombin-induced platelet activation and decrease formation of reactive oxygen species in activated platelets. The tested aglycones did not affect platelet viability, apoptosis induction, or procoagulant platelet formation. Notably, luteolin, myricetin, quercetin, and apigenin increased thrombin-induced thromboxane synthase activity, which was analyzed by a spectrofluorimetric method. Our results obtained from Western blot analysis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry demonstrated that the antiplatelet properties of the studied phytochemicals are mediated by activation of cyclic nucleotide-dependent signaling pathways. Specifically, we established by using Förster resonance energy transfer that the molecular mechanisms are, at least partly, associated with the inhibition of phosphodiesterases 2 and/or 5. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of flavonoid aglycones for clinical application as antiplatelet agents.

Thrombin-induced platelet inhibition by 2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone and 2′,4′-dihydroxydihydrochalcone is mediated by inhibition of ROS production and Thromboxane synthase a activity: structure-activity relationship of polyphenol secondary metabolites from Empetrum nigrum

In this study, we expanded our previous work by testing compounds 1–12 for their ability to inhibit platelet activation at low (30 µM) concentration by inhibition of ROS production, thromboxane synthase (TxS) activity, and activation of cyclic nucleotide pathways. We also investigated whether some of these compounds could potentiate the effects of P2Y12 ADP receptor inhibitor action and discussed possible structure-activity relationships of the tested compounds. We showed that at this concentration only compounds 7 and 12 significantly inhibited thrombin-induced platelet activation which was accompanied by inhibition of ROS production and thromboxane synthase activity. Correspondingly, these compounds significantly potentiated the inhibitory effect of cangrelor on thrombin-induced platelet activation. In some other cases, inhibition of ROS production and thromboxane synthase activity did not correlate with platelet inhibition, indicating that these compounds could affect some, still unidentified, activatory pathways in platelets that counteract their inhibitory effects.

P809: MODULATION OF ARACHIDONIC ACID PATHWAY BY IBUPROFEN RESULTS IN COMPLETE HEMATOLOGICAL RESPONSE IN GHOSAL HEMATODIAPHYSEAL DYSPLASIA WITHOUT NEED FOR CORTICOSTEROID

Background: Ghosal hematodiaphyseal dysplasia (GHDD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by pancytopenia and increased bone density of the long bones. First described in families of Indian and Middle Eastern descent, subsequent studies identified the genetic lesion in this disease as due to loss of function mutations in the TBXAS1 gene encoding thromboxane synthase, a key component of the arachidonic acid pathway responsible for the formation of thromboxane A2 from prostaglandin H2. As well as pancytopenia, laboratory features include platelet aggregation defects and increase in osteoblastic activity, the latter being the basis of increased bone density in patients with Ghosal syndrome. Simultaneously, loss of thromboxane synthase activity may be associated with shunting of prostaglandin precursors away from production of thromboxane into production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. This may be the mechanism responsible for the observed marrow suppression seen in these patients. We describe a 3 year old female of non-consanguineous parents of Filipino origin who presented with marked pancytopenia. Next Generation Sequencing bone marrow failure gene panel revealed a novel homozygous mutation in TBXAS1. Subsequent DXA scanning revealed increased bone mineral density consistent with the diagnosis (Z -score +2.4 for lumbar spine (L1-4)) although clinical sequelae of bony disease were not apparent. Aims: While multiple case reports document that these patients have hematological response to long term corticosteroid therapy, we hypothesized that inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) upstream of thromboxane synthase in the arachidonic acid pathway may be effective in this condition. Methods: Patient was treated with ibuprofen at regular therapeutic doses (approximately 30 mg/kg/24 hours daily initially) and serial full blood counts were monitored. Results: The patient exhibited a rapid and complete response to ibuprofen with normalization of full blood counts. The dose of ibuprofen was reduced to 10 mg/kg/day, and hematologic response is maintained on low dose after one year.The treatment is well tolerated with no side effects. Image:Summary/Conclusion: Treatment of GHDD with ibuprofen is a novel approach that offers clear potential benefits in comparison to the known adverse effects profile of long term corticosteroids. Bone density scan and markers are in process to ascertain the impact of this treatment on bone density, although this may take longer to show beneficial effects. The treatment was easily tolerated and well managed by the patient and family at home with minimum disruption to her quality of life.

LIGAND-BINDING AND CATALYTIC PROPERTIES OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN THROMBOXANE SYNTHASE

To study the spectrum of modulators of the human thromboxane synthase activity, the interaction of recombinant protein with various low-molecular weight ligands was analyzed. It was shown that thromboxane synthase interacts with a number of fatty acids and their derivatives (potential substrates or concurrent inhibitors), being a target for nonselective inhibition by imidazole and triazole derivatives used in medical practice and agriculture. Thus, another mechanism of action of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) was established. For the first time, the reduction of heme iron of thromboxane synthase by cytochrome P450 reductase was shown. This interaction accompanied by a partial inhibitory effect on the enzyme suppresses the formation of reaction by-products 12-hydroxyheptadecatenoic acid (12-HHT) and malonic dialdehyde (MDA). It is likely that this mechanism can participate in the regulation of the enzyme activity in vivo.

Cigarette Smoke Extract Inhibits Platelet Aggregation by Suppressing Cyclooxygenase Activity

The results of studies that were performed to determine whether cigarette smoking affects platelet function have been controversial, and the effects of nicotine- and tar-free cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on platelet function remain to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CSE on platelet aggregation and to clarify the mechanism by which CSE affects platelet function. CSE inhibited murine platelet aggregation induced by 9,11-dideoxy-9α,11α-methanoepoxy-prosta-5Z,13E-dien-1-oic acid (U-46619), a thromboxane (TX) A 2 receptor agonist, and that induced by collagen with respective IC 50 values of 1.05 ± 0.14% and 1.34 ± 0.19%. A similar inhibitory action of CSE was also observed in human platelets. CSE inhibited arachidonic acid–induced TXA 2 production in murine platelets with an IC 50 value of 7.32 ± 2.00%. Accordingly, the inhibitory effect of CSE on collagen-induced aggregation was significantly blunted in platelets lacking the TXA 2 receptor compared with the inhibitory effect in control platelets. In contrast, the antiplatelet effects of CSE in platelets lacking each inhibitory prostanoid receptor, prostaglandin (PG) I 2 receptor and PGE 2 receptor subtypes EP 2 and EP 4 , were not significantly different from the effects in respective control platelets. Among the enzymes responsible for TXA 2 production in platelets, the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 was inhibited by CSE with an IC 50 value of 1.07 ± 0.15% in an uncompetitive manner. In contrast, the activity of TX synthase was enhanced by CSE. The results indicate that CSE inhibits COX-1 activity and thereby decreases TXA 2 production in platelets, leading to inhibition of platelet aggregation.

18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Suppresses Cell Proliferation through Inhibiting Thromboxane Synthase in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA) is a bioactive component of licorice. The anti-cancer activity of 18β-GA has been studied in many cancer types, whereas its effects in lung cancer remain largely unknown. We first showed that 18β-GA effectively suppressed cell proliferation and inhibited expression as well as activity of thromboxane synthase (TxAS) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells A549 and NCI-H460. In addition, the administration of 18β-GA did not have any additional inhibitory effect on the decrease of cell proliferation induced by transfection with TxAS small interference RNA (siRNA). Moreover, 18β-GA failed to inhibit cell proliferation in the immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE-T and another NSCLC cell line NCI-H23, both of which expressed minimal level of TxAS as compared to A549 and NCI-H460. However, 18β-GA abolished the enhancement of cell proliferation induced by transfection of NCI-H23 with pCMV6-TxAS plasmid. Further study found that the activation of both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) induced by TxAS cDNA transfection could be totally blocked by 18β-GA. Altogether, we have delineated that, through inhibiting TxAS and its initiated ERK/CREB signaling, 18β-GA suppresses NSCLC cell proliferation. Our study has highlighted the significance of 18β-GA with respect to prevention and treatment of NSCLC.

Glycyrrhizin Suppresses Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Growth Through Inhibition of Thromboxane Synthase

Background/Aims: The effects of glycyrrhizin treatment in lung cancer remain undetermined, despite extensive studies of the anti-tumor activities of glycyrrhizin. Methods: Lung adenocarcinoma A549 and NCI-H23 cell lines were used in this study. Cell growth was examined by MTS assays, while apoptosis and cell cycle were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Both real-time PCR and western blotting were used to examine the expression levels of thromboxane synthase (TxAS), and TxAS activity was measured using EIA detection of the biosynthesis of TxA2. TxAS was overexpressed in NCI-H23 cells by transfection with TxAS cDNA, while TxAS was inhibited by transfection with TxAS siRNA in A549 cells. For the mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma, the effects of glycyrrhizin on tumor growth were analyzed by western blot evaluation of TxAS, PTEN and survivin. TxAS activity was determined by EIA assay. Results: Glycyrrhizin suppressed cell growth in A549 cells, but not in NCI-H23 cells, by induction of apoptosis. TxAS was overexpressed in A549 cells, but the TxAS levels in NCI-H23 cells were minimal. Moreover, TxAS expression and activity were suppressed by glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin had no additive effects with TxAS siRNA knockdown in suppressing A549 cell growth, whereas it completely suppressed cell growth of NCI-H23 cells transfected with TxAS cDNA. These results were further confirmed by the in vivo study. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the anti-tumor effect of glycyrrhizin in lung adenocarcinoma is, at least in part, TxAS-dependent. Therefore, glycyrrhizin is a promising anti-cancer agent for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.

Human thromboxane synthase: comparative modeling and docking evaluation with the competitive inhibitors Dazoxiben and Ozagrel

Thromboxane synthase (TXAS) is a P450 epoxygenase that synthesizes thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a potent mediator of platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction and bronchoconstriction. This enzyme plays an important role in several human diseases, including myocardial infarction, stroke, septic shock, asthma and cancer. Despite of the increasing interest on developing TXAS inhibitors, the structure and activity of TXAS are still not totally elucidated. In this study, we used a comparative molecular modeling approach to construct a reliable model of TXAS and analyze its interactions with Dazoxiben and Ozagrel, two competitive inhibitors. Our results were compatible with experimental published data, showing feasible cation–π interaction between the iron atom of the heme group of TXAS and the basic nitrogen atom of the imidazolyl group of those inhibitors. In the absence of the experimental structure of thromboxane synthase, this freely available model may be useful for designing new antiplatelet drugs for diseases related with TXA2.

Inhibitory Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Microsomal Cyclooxygenase-1 Activity in Platelets

In this study, we investigated the effect of (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea catechins from green tea leaves, on activities of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and thromboxane synthase (TXAS), thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production associated microsomal enzymes. EGCG inhibited COX-1 activity to 96.9%, and TXAS activity to 20% in platelet microsomal fraction having cytochrome c reductase (an endoplasmic reticulum marker enzyme) activity and expressing COX-1 (70 kDa) and TXAS (58 kDa) proteins. The inhibitory ratio of COX-1 to TXAS by EGCG was 4.8. These results mean that EGCG has a stronger selectivity in COX-1 inhibition than TXAS inhibition. In special, a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug aspirin, a COX-1 inhibitor, inhibited COX-1 activity by 11.3% at the same concentration (50 μM) as EGCG that inhibited COX-1 activity to 96.9% as compared with that of control. This suggests that EGCG has a stronger effect than that of aspirin on inhibition of COX-1 activity. Accordingly, we demonstrate that EGCG might be used as a crucial tool for a strong negative regulator of COX-1/TXA2 signaling pathway to inhibit thrombotic disease-associated platelet aggregation.

Sustained-release prostacyclin analog ONO-1301 ameliorates tubulointerstitial alterations in a mouse obstructive nephropathy model

Tubulointerstitial injuries are crucial histological alterations that predict the deterioration of renal function in chronic kidney disease. ONO-1301, a novel sustained-release prostacyclin analog, accompanied by thromboxane synthase activity, exerts therapeutic effects on experimental pulmonary hypertension, lung fibrosis, cardiomyopathy, and myocardial ischemia, partly associated with the induction of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). In the present study, we examined the therapeutic efficacies of ONO-1301 on tubulointerstitial alterations induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). After inducing unilateral ureteral obstruction in C57/BL6J mice, a single injection of sustained-release ONO-1301 polymerized with poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) sustained-release ONO-1301 (SR-ONO) significantly suppressed interstitial fibrosis, accumulation of types I and III collagen, increase in the number of interstitial fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1)(+) cells, and interstitial infiltration of monocytes/macrophages (F4/80(+)) in the obstructed kidneys (OBK; day 7). Treatment with SR-ONO significantly suppressed the increase of the renal levels of profibrotic factor TGF-β and phosphorylation of Smad2/3, and elevated the renal levels of HGF in the OBK. In cultured mouse proximal tubular epithelial cells (mProx24), ONO-1301 significantly ameliorated the expression of fibroblast-specific protein-1 and α-smooth muscle actin as well as phosphorylation of Smad3 and increased the expression of zonula occludens-1 and E-cadherin in the presence of TGF-β1 as detected by immunoblot and immunocytochemistry, partly dependent on PGI(2) receptor-mediated signaling. Administration of rabbit anti-HGF antibodies, but not the control IgG, partly reversed the suppressive effects of SR-ONO on tubulointerstitial injuries in the OBK. Taken together, our findings suggest the potential therapeutic efficacies of ONO-1301 in suppressing tubulointerstitial alterations partly mediated via inducing HGF, an antifibrotic factor counteracting TGF-β.

Upregulation of thromboxane synthase mediates visfatin-induced interleukin-8 expression and angiogenic activity in endothelial cells

Thromboxane synthase (TXAS) is an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of thromboxane A2 (TXA2). Overexpression of TXAS is associated with a variety of vascular diseases. Recently, we reported that visfatin, a novel adipokine, exhibits angiogenic actions. In this study, we showed that visfatin increased mRNA and protein levels of TXAS and stimulated TXA2 biosynthesis in vascular endothelial cells. In addition, visfatin induced the expression and secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8), which is blocked by a TXAS inhibitor and by the transfection of siRNA specific for TXAS. Furthermore, the inhibition of TXAS activity and blockade of the IL-8 receptor attenuated visfatin-induced endothelial angiogenesis. Together, these results showed that visfatin promoted IL-8 production by upregulation of TXAS, leading to angiogenic activation in endothelial cells.

Inhibition of Thromboxane Synthase Activity Improves Glioblastoma Response to Alkylation Chemotherapy

Thromboxane synthase (TXSA), an enzyme of the arachidonic acid metabolism, is upregulated in human glial tumors and is involved in glioma progression. Here, we analyzed the in vitro and in vivo effects of pharmacological inhibition of TXSA activity on human glioblastoma cells. Furegrelate, a specific inhibitor of TXSA, significantly inhibited tumor growth in an orthotopic glioblastoma model by inducing proapoptotic, antiproliferative, and antiangiogenic effects. Inhibition of TXSA induced a proapoptotic disposition of glioma cells and increased the sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agent 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, significantly prolonging the survival time of intracerebral glioma-bearing mice. Our data demonstrate that the targeted inhibition of TXSA activity improves the efficiency of conventional alkylation chemotherapy in vivo. Our study supports the role of TXSA activity for the progression of malignant glioma and the potential utility of its therapeutic modulation for glioma treatment.

Inhibition of thromboxane synthase induces lung cancer cell death via increasing the nuclear p27

The role of thromboxane in lung carcinogenesis is not clearly known, though thromboxane B2 (TXB2) level is increased and antagonists of thromboxane receptors or TXA2 can induce apoptosis of lung cancer cells. p27, an atypical tumor suppressor, is normally sequestered in the nucleus. The increased nuclear p27 may result in apoptosis of tumor cells. We hypothesize that the inhibition of thromboxane synthase (TXS) induces the death of lung cancer cells and that such inhibition is associated with the nuclear p27 level. Our experiment showed that the inhibition of TXS significantly induced the death or apoptosis in lung cancer cells. The activity of TXS was increased in lung cancer. The nuclear p27 was remarkably reduced in lung cancer tissues. The inhibition of TXS caused the cell death and apoptosis of lung cancer cells, likely via the elevation of the nuclear p27 since the TXS inhibition promoted the nuclear p27 level and the inhibition of p27 by its siRNA recovered the cell death induced by TXS inhibition. Collectively, lung cancer cells produce high levels of TXB2 but their nuclear p27 is markedly reduced. The inhibition of TXS results in the p27-related induction of cell death in lung cancer cells.

Inhibition of thromboxane synthase activity modulates bladder cancer cell responses to chemotherapeutic agents

Recently, we reported prognostic significance of thromboxane synthase (TXAS) gene expression in invasive bladder cancer. The positive correlation between elevated TXAS expression and shorter patient survival supports a potential role for TXAS-regulated pathways in tumor metastases. In this study, using immunohistochemical analysis, we found an increased expression of TXAS protein in bladder cancer. Treatment of T24 and transitional cell carcinoma TCC-SUP bladder cancer cells with the TXAS inhibitors furegrelate or ozagrel induced an apoptotic effect measured as an increase in caspase-3 activation and cell death, and decreased survivin expression. Pharmacological inhibition of TXAS using the TXAS inhibitor furegrelate increased sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin and paclitaxel. Molecular inhibition of TXAS expression by siRNA significantly decreased cell growth and migration. In concordance with the pharmacological data, siRNA-mediated reduction of TXAS expression increased sensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel in T24 and TCC-SUP cells. In summary, the data support a role for the thromboxane A(2) pathway in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer and the potential utility of modulation of this signaling pathway for cancer chemotherapy.

Mechanisms involved in the antiplatelet effect of C-phycocyanin

C-phycocyanin (cpc), a biliprotein isolated from Spirulina platensis, has been reported to exert many therapeutic and nutritional values. In the present study, we examined whether cpc has an antiplatelet activity in vitro and further investigated the possible anti-aggregatory mechanisms involved. Our results showed that preincubation of cpc (1-50 microg/ml) with rabbit washed platelets dose-dependently inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by collagen (10 microg/ml) or arachidonic acid (100 microm), with an IC50 of about 10 microg/ml. Furthermore, the thromboxane B2 formation caused by collagen or arachidonic acid was significantly inhibited by cpc due to suppression of cyclooxygenase and thromboxane synthase activity. Similarly, the rise of platelet intracellular calcium level stimulated by arachidonic acid and collagen-induced platelet membrane surface glycoprotein IIb/IIIa expression were also attenuated by cpc. In addition, cpc itself significantly increased the platelet membrane fluidity and the cyclic AMP level through inhibiting cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity. These findings strongly demonstrate that cpc is an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, which may be associated with mechanisms including inhibition of thromboxane A2 formation, intracellular calcium mobilization and platelet surface glycoprotein IIb/IIIa expression accompanied by increasing cyclic AMP formation and platelet membrane fluidity.

Inhibition of Cyclic AMP Phosphodiesterase and Blockage of Arachidonate Metabolism by Antiplatelet Principles from the Seed Hulls of Arachis Hypogaea L.

The antiplatelet activity of eight principles isolated from the seed hulls of Arachis hypogaea L. (A. hypogaea) was determined in washed rabbit platelets. Six flavonoids including luteolin, 8-iso- pentenyl luteolin, eriodictyol, chrysoeriol, 8-isopentenyl chrysoeriol and 4', 5-dihydroxy-2”, 2”- dimethylpyrano[5”,6”:7,8]flavone (AHO6) inhibited platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA), collagen, U46619, ADP, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and thrombin in a concentration-dependent manner. These flavonoids were most potent against AA-mediated platelet activation. The flavonoids not only suppressed the elevation of intracellular calcium ([Ca(superscript 2+)]i) but also increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in platelets. Concomitantly, the five flavones degraded exogenously added cAMP as cilostamide did in platelet lysates containing adenylate cyclase inhibitor. But they didn't mimic forskolin to convert ATP to cAMP in platelet lysates containing cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor. These results indicate that the flavones act as cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which allows accumulation of intra-platelet cAMP and consequently represses increasing of [Ca(superscript 2+)]i) induced by the aggregation agonists. Furthermore, these flavonoids also affected AA-metabolism-related enzymes. 8-Isopentenyl chrysoeriol decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and thromboxane B2(TXB2) formation but increased prostaglandin (PG)E2 and F(superscript 2a) formation from AA indicating its inhibitory activity of thromboxane synthase. The other five flavonoids all inhibited the activity of cyclooxygenase, decreasing AA-metabolites including MDA, TXB2, PGE2 and PGF(superscript 2a).

Antiplatelet effect of marchantinquinone, isolated from Reboulia hemisphaerica, in rabbit washed platelets.

Platelet activation is involved in serious pathological situations, including atherosclerosis and restenosis. It is important to find efficient antiplatelet medicines to prevent fatal thrombous formation during the course of these diseases. Marchantinquinone, a natural compound isolated from Reboulia hemisphaerica, inhibited platelet aggregation and ATP release stimulated by thrombin (0.1 units mL(-1)), platelet-activating factor (PAF; 2 ng mL(-1)), collagen (10 microg mL(-1)), arachidonic acid (100 microM), or U46619 (1 microM) in rabbit washed platelets. The IC50 values of marchantinquinone on the inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by these five agonists were 62.0 +/- 9.0, 86.0 +/- 7.8, 13.6 +/- 4.7, 20.9 +/- 3.1 and 13.4 +/- 5.3 microM, respectively. Marchantinquinone inhibited thromboxane B2 (TxB2) formation induced by thrombin, PAF or collagen. However, marchantinquinone did not inhibit TxB2 formation induced by arachidonic acid, indicating that marchantinquinone did not affect the activity of cyclooxygenase and thromboxane synthase. Marchantinquinone did inhibit the rising intracellular Ca2+ concentration stimulated by the five platelet-aggregation inducers. The formation of inositol monophosphate induced by thrombin was inhibited by marchantinquinone. Platelet cAMP and cGMP levels were unchanged by marchantinquinone. The results indicate that marchantinquinone exerts antiplatelet effects by inhibiting phosphoinositide turnover.

Mechanism of inhibition of platelet aggregation by HCL-31D

The antiplatelet effect of the pyridazinone analogue, 4,5-dihydro-6-[4-[2-hydroxy-3-(3,4 dimethoxybenzylamino)propoxy]naphth-1-yl]-3(2H)-pyridazinone (HCL-31D), was investigated in vitro with rabbit platelets. HCL-31D dose-dependently inhibited the platelet aggregation and ATP release induced by collagen (10 μg/ml), arachidonic acid (100 μM) or thrombin (0.1 U/ml) with an IC 50 of about 0.95–5.41 μM. HCL-31D (0.5–5 μM) increased the platelet cyclic AMP level in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HCL-31D potentiated cyclic AMP formation caused by prostaglandin E 1 but not that caused by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). HCL-31D also attenuated phosphoinositide breakdown and intracellular Ca 2+ elevation induced by collagen, arachidonic acid or thrombin. HCL-31D inhibited the formation of thromboxane B 2 induced by collagen or thrombin but not by arachidonic acid. In addition, HCL-31D did not affect platelet cylooxygenase and thromboxane synthase activity. These data indicate that HCL-31D is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase and that its antiplatelet effect is mainly mediated by elevation of cyclic AMP levels.

Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 abundance is increased in brain tissues of late-gestation fetal sheep in response to cerebral hypoperfusion.

To determine the mechanism by which cerebral hypoperfusion enhances prostanoid secretion by fetal brain tissues. Studies were performed on five intact and five carotid sinus-denervated sheep fetuses (124-136 days) exposed to 10 minutes of cerebral hypoperfusion. Plasma collected from lingual artery and sagittal sinus, and microdialysates collected from brain stem and hypothalamus were assayed for prostanoid production. Fetal hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and brain stem were collected from intact animals and 30 minutes after cerebral hypoperfusion for the expression, activity, and distribution of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-1 (PGHS-1), PGHS-2, and thromboxane synthase. Thromboxane B2 increased significantly in sagittal sinus compared with arterial blood, but PGE2 did not change. Thromboxane B2 decreased in brain stem and hypothalamus microdialysates, and prostaglandin E2 increased in these regions. PGHS-2 immunoreactive protein levels in brain tissues increased in the cerebral hypoperfusion fetuses compared with those of the intact animals. By contrast, PGHS-1 and thromboxane synthase protein levels did not change between these two groups. Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase activity in brain tissues decreased with the increased levels of immunoreactive PGHS-2. 1) Prostanoids are produced in response to cerebral hypoperfusion, 2) the increase in the production of prostanoid responses to cerebral hypoperfusion is associated with the decrease in activity of, and therefore, the "suicide" inactivation of PGHS, and 3) PGHS-2 is the predominant form of PGHS, whose synthesis is induced by cerebral hypoperfusion in the fetal brain.

In vitro-induced human airway hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin (IL)-1beta have been reported to induce airway hyperresponsiveness in several animal models. This study investigated the effect of LPS or IL-1beta on bradykinin-induced human isolated bronchi contraction. LPS (100 ng x mL(-1) for 3-6 h) and IL-1beta (3x10(-10) and 3x10(-9) M for 20 min to 3 h) time-dependently potentiated bradykinin-induced contraction. This contraction was abolished, as in control experiments, by indomethacin (10(-6) M) or by the thromboxane (Tx) receptor antagonist GR 32191 but not by the cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor, CGP28238. In contrast, the Tx mimetic U46619-induced contraction of human bronchi was not enhanced IL-1beta pretreatment. In the presence of GR 32191 (10(-6) M), bradykinin induced a prostanoid dependent relaxation that was not significantly modified by IL-1beta pretreatment. Determination of prostanoids in the organ bath fluid showed that bradykinin induced TxB2, the stable metabolite of TxA2, and 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha, the stable metabolite of PGI2, release. Only TxA2 release was potentiated by IL-1beta. Taken together our results suggest that interleukin-1beta (1-3 h)-induced potentiation of the effect of bradykinin is linked to an increased activity of thromboxane synthase and, in turn, to increased thromboxane synthesis.