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Use of [3H]trimetoquinol as a radioligand in human platelets: interaction with putative endoperoxide/thromboxane A2 receptor sites.

We have recently shown that trimetoquinol [1-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline; TMQ] is a potent and stereoselective [R(+)-isomer greater than S(-)-isomer] antagonist of aggregation induced by thromboxane A2 and stable epoxymethano PGH2 analogues (U46619; U44069) in human platelets. The present study was undertaken to characterize the pharmacological specificity of binding sites for racemic- [3H]TMQ in washed human platelets. Specific binding of [3H]TMQ, determined by addition of 100 microM R(+)-TMQ, accounted for 12-26% of the total binding at 1.0 microM. Saturation data suggested two binding sites with apparent dissociation constants of 2.8 nM and 1.4 microM for the high and low affinity binding sites, respectively. Maximal binding densities (pmol/mg protein) were 2.3 and 42.9 for the respective high and low affinity sites. The optical isomers of TMQ, cis and trans-isomers of 13-azaprostanoic acid (13-APA), and U46619 inhibited [3H]TMQ specific binding to the low affinity site. R(+)-TMQ was 32-fold more potent than S(-)-TMQ at inhibiting [3H]TMQ binding, and the stereoselective potency difference and concentrations needed to inhibit binding were similar to those required for inhibition of U46619-induced platelet aggregation and serotonin secretion. Similarly, trans-13-APA was 90-fold more potent than cis-13-APA as a competitor of [3H]TMQ binding. U46619 also inhibited TMQ binding at concentrations (IC50 = 0.4 microM) similar to those required for aggregation (EC50 = 0.16 microM) and secretion (EC50 = 0.23 microM). At 1 mM, arachidonic acid inhibited [3H] TMQ binding by only 25%. Our studies indicate that [3H]TMQ interacts with specific binding sites with characteristics indicative of putative endoperoxide/thromboxane A2 receptors in human platelets.

Blood Platelets↗

Increased platelet thromboxane synthesis in diabetes mellitus.

Platelets obtained from some diabetic patients show enhanced in vitro platelet aggregation. This study sought to determine whether platelets obtained from diabetic subjects synthesize increased quantities of the labile aggregating substance. TXA2, and whether it may play a role in the enhanced platelet aggregation. Arachidonic acid (1 mM)-stimulated TXA2 synthesis, as determined via radioimmunoassay of its stable metabolite TXB2, was significantly greater (p < 0.01, n = 12) in platelet-rich plasma obtained from diabetic patients than in matched controls. Arachidonic acid-stimulated TXB2 synthesis in the diabetic platelet-rich plasma was positively correlated with the ambient fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.61, p < 0.02, n = 15). Platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (0.4 to 0.8 mM) was inhibited significantly less than in matched controls by imidazole, a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor (p < 0.01, n = 11), and 13-azaprostanoic acid, an antagonist of the actions of PGH2 or TXA2 on platelets (p < 0.04, n = 14). We conclude that platelets obtained from some diabetic subjects manifest increased synthesis of TXA2, which may contribute to the enhanced platelet aggregation.

Adult↗

Stimulation of cannabinoid (CB1) and prostanoid (EP2) receptors opens BKCa channels and relaxes ocular trabecular meshwork.

Prostanoids and cannabinoids have ocular hypotensive and neuroprotective properties. The effect of the prostanoid AH13205 (EP2), the thromboxane-mimetic U46619, the cannabinoid (CB) agonists WIN55212-2 and CP 55,940, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and 8-bromo-cAMP on the membrane currents of trabecular meshwork (TM) cells were measured using the patch-clamp technique and compared to their effects on TM contractility. Previous studies show relaxation of TM to AH 13205 and other substances that elevate cAMP, while U46619 and endothelin-1 contract TM. This study shows that after contraction (100%) with carbachol (10(-6)m), the CB agonist CP 55,940 dose-dependently reduced contractility to 83+/-4% (n=9) (10(-6)m) and 61+/-10%, (n=7) (10(-5)m). In the presence of both the CB1 antagonist AM251 (10(-6)m) and CP 55,940 (10(-5)m), the contractile response to carbachol reached 84+/-3% (n=6) of the original level. In patch-clamp experiments, membrane permeable 8-bromo-cAMP (10(-4)m) had no effect on currents of TM cells. In contrast, AH 13205 and two cannabinoids reversibly enhanced outward current through high-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BKCa, BK, maxi-K) to the following values (in % of the initial value at 100 mV): AH 13205 (10(-5)m): 200+/-28% (n=6), CP 55,940 (10(-6)m): 196+/-33% (n=7), CP 55,940 (10(-5)m): 484+/-113% (n=7), WIN55212-2 (10(-5)m): 205+/-41% (n=10). Iberiotoxin (10(-7)m) completely blocked these responses. The current response to CP 55,940 (10(-5)m) could be partially blocked by the CB1 antagonist AM251 (10(-6)m). Conversely, the contractile agents in this study either caused a transient reduction in outward current (ET-1(5x10(-8)m)) or had no effect (U46619 (10(-6)m)). We conclude that stimulation of EP2 and CB1 receptors in TM is coupled to the activation of BKCa channels via a non-diffusible second messenger cascade. This effect may contribute to the relaxant activity of EP2 and CB1 agonists in isolated TM strips, modulating ocular outflow.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Effects of prostaglandins on the cytosolic free calcium concentration in vascular smooth muscle cells.

The effects of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha and 9,11-epithio-11,12-methanothromboxane A2 (STA2), a stable analogue of thromboxane A2, on the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in vascular smooth muscle cells were studied with a new fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura 2. PGF2 alpha and STA2, which are strong vasoconstrictors, caused rapid phasic and subsequent tonic increases in [Ca2+]i. PGF2 alpha caused dose-dependent elevation of [Ca2+]i not only in control solution but also in the calcium-free solution. A first stimulation with PGF2 alpha caused dose-dependent decrease in the response of [Ca2+]i to a second stimulation with PGF2 alpha. Pretreatment with 13-Azaprostanoic acid, a receptor level antagonist of thromboxane A2 inhibited the increase of [Ca2+]i induced by STA2. These results suggest that PGF2 alpha induces calcium mobilization followed by smooth muscle contraction through its specific receptors.

Angiotensin II↗

[Luteolysis in the pseudopregnant rabbit and endogenous prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha (author's transl)].

The luteolytic properties of prostaglandin (PG)F2 alpha have been well established in several species. To ensure that endogenous PGF2 alpha is involved in luteolysis, two PGF2 alpha metabolites, 13,14-dihydroxy-15-keto PGF2 alpha (dhkPGF2 alpha) in blood and 5 alpha, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-11-ketotetranorprosta 1,16-dioic acid (PGF2 alpha UM) in urine, were measured in the pseudopregnant rabbit by radioimmunoassay. During pseudopregnancy marked increase in the two PGF2 alpha metabolites were demonstrated at about the time of luteal regression. Hysterectomy and intrauterine administration of indomethacin prolonged the life-span of corpora lutea in the pseudopregnant rabbit by 8 and 5 days, respectively, with no elevation of PGF2 alpha UM excretion. The results indicate that PGF2 alpha is a uterine luteolysin in the pseudopregnant rabbit as in other animal species.

Animals↗

Acetyl glyceryl ether phosphorylcholine-stimulated human platelets cause pulmonary hypertension and edema in isolated rabbit lungs. Role of thromboxane A2.

Macrophages, neutrophils, and platelets may play a role in acute edematous lung injury, such as that seen in the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but their potential actions and interactions are unclear. Because stimulated human macrophages and neutrophils can release acetyl glyceryl ether phosphorylcholine (AGEPC), a potent platelet activator, we hypothesized that in ARDS, leukocyte release of AGEPC might stimulate platelets to release thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which then produces pulmonary hypertension and lung edema. In support of this premise, we found that pulmonary hypertension and edema occurred in isolated rabbit lungs perfused with human platelets and AGEPC, but not with platelets or AGEPC alone. Infusion of a vasodilator (nitroglycerin) to maintain base-line pulmonary artery pressures in lungs perfused with platelets and AGEPC prevented the development of lung edema suggesting that platelet and AGEPC-induced edema was hydrostatic in nature. Additional experiments suggested that the increased pressure was a result of TXA2 release from platelets stimulated by AGEPC. Specifically, preincubation of platelets with imidazole, a thromboxane synthetase blocker, prior to infusion with AGEPC significantly diminished pulmonary hypertension and prevented lung edema. Furthermore, pretreating lung preparations with 13-azaprostanoic acid, a TXA2 antagonist, before infusion of AGEPC and untreated platelets also reduced the pulmonary hypertension and blocked the lung edema. The role of TXA2 was further suggested when perfusates from lungs infused with platelets and AGEPC developed high levels of TXA2, whereas perfusates from controls did not. These results suggest that platelet aggregation induced by AGEPC may contribute to ARDS by releasing TXA2, which raises microvascular pressure and increases edema formation, especially when an underlying permeability defect is present.

Animals↗

Radioimmunoassay of main urinary metabolite of prostaglandin F2alpha in patients with diffuse interstitial fibrosing pneumonitis (DIFP) and other respiratory diseases.

Radioimmunoassay of 5alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxy-11-keto-tetra-norprosta-1,16-dioic acid, main urinary metabolite of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha-MUM), was performed in patients with various respiratory diseases including diffuse interstitial fibrosing pneumonitis (DIFP, fibrosing alveolitis). Twenty-four hr excretion of PGF2alpha-MUM in patients with primary lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis secondary to collagen diseases and stationary DIFP was normal. On the other hand, 24 hr excretion of PGF2alpha-MUM in patients with carcinomatous pleuritis was high and that in patients with aggravating DIFP was markedly high. There was no correlation between serum LDH levels and 24 hr excretion of PGF2alpha-MUM.

Collagen Diseases↗

A photoaffinity label for the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor in human blood platelets.

A photoactive iodoarylazide derivative (I-APA-PhN3) of the competitive thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) antagonist 13-azaprostanoic acid is evaluated. Upon photoactivation, the compound was found to inhibit specifically and irreversibly human platelet aggregation induced by the TXA2/PGH2 mimetic U46619. In receptor-binding studies using [3H]U46619, I-APA-PhN3 exhibited an IC50 of 300 nM for inhibition of U46619 binding. Photoactivation of I-APA-PhN3 resulted in an irreversible 58% reduction in specific binding of U46619. This compound and its corresponding ratio-iodinated form will prove to be useful tools for the isolation and purification of the TXA2/PGH2-binding protein in human platelets.

Affinity Labels↗

[The gastroprotective and antiaggregant activities of 13-azaprostanoids].

Some 13-azaprostanoic acid derivatives were shown to have a high cytoprotective activity against the damaging effect of ethanol on the gastric mucosa in non-strain rats and affect ATP- and arachidonate-induced platelet aggregation in the whole blood of rabbits and rats in a different way. The gastroprotective activity that is common to natural and synthetic prostanoids is not closely related to the chemical structure of the compounds. On the contrary, the trends of these compounds to affect the induced platelet aggregation depend on the modification of both the cyclic moiety and both chains of a prostanoid molecule.

Animals↗

Congenital hypokalemia with hypercalciuria in preterm infants: a hyperprostaglandinuric tubular syndrome different from Bartter syndrome.

A congenital hypokalemic tubular disorder is described with many features resembling Bartter syndrome. Additional features include prenatal onset with polyhydramnios and premature labor; failure to thrive; episodes of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and renal electrolyte and water wastage; hypercalciuria; nephrocalcinosis; and osteopenia. Unlike Bartter syndrome, there is no defect in tubular reabsorption of chloride. Urinary levels of prostaglandin E2 and 7 alpha-hydroxy-5,11-diketotetranorprosta-1,16-dioic acid are selectively elevated, indicating marked stimulation of renal and systemic PGE2 production. Chronic suppression of PGE2 activity by indomethacin corrects most of the abnormalities, and there is an immediate decompensation of the disease on indomethacin withdrawal. We conclude that these preterm infants have a distinct variety of hypokalemic tubular disorders rather than a variant of Bartter syndrome, because renal and systemic hyperprostaglandinism ranks high in the pathogenic chain of events, and the suppression of PGE2 hyperactivity is associated with significant improvement in the development (and probably in the prognosis) of the affected children.

Bartter Syndrome↗

[The effect of indomethacin and carprofen on gastric prostaglandin biosynthesis].

The effect of indometacin (3 X 50 mg daily), carprofen (Imadyl) (2 X 150 mg daily) and placebo (3 X daily) on gastric juice secretion, acidity, prostanoid concentration (PGE2, PGF2 alpha and TXB2) and excretion of the major urinary metabolite of PGF (PGF-MUM) were investigated in a single-blind cross-over study in nine healthy volunteers after 3-day treatment periods separated by one-week washout periods between treatments. Indometacin proved to be a classical cyclooxygenase inhibitor (strong inhibition of PGE2 and TXB2 before and after pentagastrin stimulation and of PGF-MUM) while carprofen was an atypical inhibitor (weak inhibition of PGE2 before pentagastrin stimulation and no inhibition after, strong inhibition of TXB2 but without influence on PGF-MUM). The weak inhibition of PGE2-biosynthesis by carprofen might be related to its low incidence of gastric side effects.

Adult↗

Decreased systemic formation of prostaglandin E and prostacyclin, and unchanged thromboxane formation, in alcoholics during withdrawal as estimated from metabolites in urine.

1. The rates of secretion into the circulation of prostaglandin E, prostacyclin, and thromboxane A2 were estimated in male alcoholics on the third day of withdrawal and in control subjects by measuring appropriate metabolites in urine. 2. Urinary levels of tetranor-5,11-diketo-7 alpha-hydroxyprostane-1,16-dioic acid (the major urinary metabolite of prostaglandins E1 and E2), of 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (the major urinary metabolite of prostacyclin) and of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (the stable hydrolysis product of prostacyclin) were significantly different from the normal subjects in the alcoholic group. In contrast, 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2 (the major urinary metabolite of thromboxane A2) and thromboxane B2 (the stable hydrolysis product of thromboxane A2) were not significantly different between the groups. 3. These data suggest that the ratio of the vasodilator prostanoids prostaglandin E and prostacyclin and the vasoconstrictor prostanoid thromboxane A2 is lower than in normal subjects, in alcoholics during withdrawal. This may be one causal factor for the higher incidence of hypertension observed in withdrawing alcoholics compared with control subjects.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Functional characterization of the prostanoid DP receptor in human myometrium.

Spontaneous contractile activity of strips of human myometrium obtained from non-pregnant donors at the time of hysterectomy was inhibited by the selective prostanoid DP receptor agonists BW 245C (5-(6-carboxyhexyl)-1-(3-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxypropyl)hydantoin) and ZK110841 ((5Z,13E)-(9R,11R,15S)-9 beta-chlor-15-cyclohexyl-11,15-dihydroxy-16,17,18,19, 20-pentanor-5,13-prostadienoic acid) with pEC50 values of 8.4 and 7.3 respectively but prostaglandin D2 produced a biphasic effect. In the presence of the TP receptor antagonist L670596 ((-)-6,8-difluoro-9-p-methylsulfonyl benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazol-1-yl-acetic acid), contractile activity induced by the FP receptor agonist, cloprostenol ([1R-[1 alpha(Z),2 beta(1E,3R),3 alpha,5 alpha]]-7-[2-[4-(3- chlorophenoxy)-3-hydroxy-7-butenyl]-3,5-dihydroxycyclopentyl]-5-he ptenoic acid), was inhibited by BW 245C (pEC50 = 7.5), ZK110841 (pEC50 = 6.7) and prostaglandin D2 (pEC50 = 6.3). Under these conditions both prostaglandin J2 and 9 alpha,11 beta-prostaglandin F2 were inhibitory partial agonists. All compounds were antagonized by the selective DP receptor antagonist BW A868C (3-benzyl-5-(6-carboxyhexyl)-1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxyethylamino)h ydantoin), but the pKB values were both concentration-dependent (pKB versus BW 245C at 10 nM = 9.1, at 50 nM = 8.3) and agonist-dependent (pKB at 10 nM versus BW 245C = 9.1, versus ZK110841 = 7.4). Both agonist and antagonist potencies support the existence of DP receptors in human myometrium. The concentration and agonist dependence of the action of BW A868C suggests that putative DP receptor agonists relax human myometrium by more than one mechanism. These observations may be explained by the existence of subtypes of DP receptor in human myometrium.

Adult↗

Cyclosporine-induced coronary artery constriction--dissociation between thromboxane release and coronary vasospasm.

Cyclosporine influences vascular tone, including that of coronary arteries. But its effect on myocardial prostanoid release, which may contribute to a drug-induced coronary and/or myocardial dysfunction, remains unknown. We used the isolated perfused rat heart to study the effect of cyclosporine on both the mechanical function parameters and myocardial prostanoid release into the effluent by ELISA. Cyclosporine (5 microM) induced an increase of perfusion pressure from 40 +/- 3 to 73 +/- 4 mm Hg within 60 minutes (p < 0.001), reflecting an increase of coronary tone. Cyclosporine did not affect heart rate but contractility (+dp/dtmax) tended to decrease, although not significantly. The drug's effect on coronary tone was rapidly reversible upon withdrawal. Cyclosporine perfusion resulted in an increase of thromboxane B2 liberation from 236 +/- 150 to 1321 +/- 354 pg/ml effluent (p < 0.001), whereas the 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha release was unaffected. The vehicle cremophor did not change any of these parameters. Neither inhibition of myocardial prostanoid formation with acetylsalicylic acid nor thromboxane receptor blockade prevented the cyclosporine-induced increase of perfusion pressure. However, perfusion with nitroglycerin or the voltage-sensitive calcium channel antagonist nifedipine in addition to cyclosporine were able to prevent the increase of perfusion pressure. This is the first time it has been demonstrated that cyclosporine induces an acute release of the prostanoid thromboxane within the myocardium. Despite the resulting imbalance in favor of the vasoconstrictive prostanoid, a dependency of the cyclosporine-induced increase of coronary tone on this imbalance was excluded. Conversely, nitric oxide donation or calcium channel blockade were able to prevent the negative effect of the drug on coronary tone, supporting the concept of endothelium-dependent and/or myogenic mechanism of cyclosporine toxicity on the coronary vascular bed.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Molecular characterization and ocular hypotensive properties of the prostanoid EP2 receptor.

The cloning of the genes that encode for prostaglandin (PG) receptors has resolved much of the complexity and controversy in this area by confirming the classification proposed by Coleman, et al. Two issues that remained unresolved were (1) the inability of the EP2 agonist butaprost to interact with the cloned putative EP2 receptor and (2) molecular biological confirmation of a fourth PGE2-sensitive receptor, which was pharmacologically designated EP4. In order to provide clarification, we attempted to clone further PGE2-sensitive receptors. By using a cDNA probe that encodes for the human EP3A receptor, a cDNA clone that encoded for a novel PGE2-sensitive receptor was obtained by screening a human placenta library. This cDNA clone was transfected into COS-7 cells for pharmacological studies. The cDNA clone obtained from human placenta had only about 30% amino acid identity with cDNAs for other PG receptors, including those that encode for the previously proposed murine and human EP2 receptors. Radioligand binding studies on the novel EP receptor expressed in COS-7 cells revealed that selective EP2 agonists such as butaprost, AH 13205, AY 23626 and 19(R)-OH PGE2 all competed with 3H-PGE2 for its binding sites, whereas selective agonists for other PG receptor subtypes had minimal or no effect. This receptor was coupled to adenylate cyclase and EP2 agonists caused dose-related increases in cAMP. It appears that the cDNA described herein encodes for the pharmacologically defined EP2 receptor. Ocular studies revealed that AH 13205 decreased intraocular pressure in normal and ocular hypertensive monkeys by a mechanism that does not appear to involve inhibition of aqueous humor secretion.

Alprostadil↗

Determination of 11 alpha-hydroxy-9,15-dioxo-2,3,4,5,20-pentanor-19-carboxyprostan oic acid and 9 alpha,11 alpha-dihydroxy-15-oxo-2,3,4,5,20-pentanor-19-carboxyprostanoi c acid by gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometry.

11 alpha-Hydroxy-9,15-dioxo-2,3,4,5,20-pentanor-19-carboxyprostano ic acid (PGE-M) and 9 alpha,11 alpha-dihydroxy-15-oxo-2,3,4,5,20-pentanor-19-carboxyprostanoic acid (PGF-M) in urine were determined in an isotope dilution assay by gas chromatography/triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometry. After addition of the 2H7-labeled internal standard, O-methylhydroxylamine hydrochloride in acetate buffer was added either directly (PGE-M) or after standing overnight at pH 10 (PGF-M) to form the methoxime. The sample was acidified to pH 2.5 and PGE-M and PGF-M were extracted with ethyl acetate/hexane. Then the prostanoids were derivatized to the pentafluorobenzyl ester and purified by thin-layer chromatography and the trimethylsilyl ether was formed. The products were quantified by gas chromatography/triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometry. For PGE-M, the fragment ions m/z 349 and m/z 356 (2H7 standard) (daughter ions of m/z 637 and m/z 644 (2H7 standard] were used. The results of the PGE-M assay were compared with those of an assay using the [2H3]methoxime as the internal standard. For determination of PGF-M, the daughter ions m/z 484 and m/z 491 (2H7 standard) with the parent ions m/z 682 and m/z 689 (2H7 standard) were chosen.

Deuterium↗

Urinary excretion rates of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in preterm infants recovering from respiratory distress with and without patent ductus arteriosus.

Patency of the ductus arteriosus in preterm infants is mediated by vasodilating prostanoids; however, reliable methods to monitor prostanoid activity or production in preterm infants are lacking. We measured the excretion rates of major and characteristic urinary metabolites of prostacyclin (PGI2), PGE1, and PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and 7 alpha-hydroxy-5,11-diketotetranorprostane-1,16-dioic acid (PGE-M), respectively. Besides these parameters which reflect total body prostanoid turnover and production, the urinary levels of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha, the primary prostaglandins, were measured as an index of renal prostanoid synthesis. There were four study groups. One contained 11 thriving preterm infants; a second, six preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS); a third, 30 preterm infants with RDS and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA); and a fourth, nine fullterm infants. All infants with RDS required artificial ventilation. There were no significant differences in PGE-M, PGE2, and PGF2 alpha excretion rates among the various groups; however, a significant increase of the 6-keto-PGF1 alpha excretion rates was observed in the groups of infants with RDS and with and without PDA (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.02, respectively). Spontaneous (n = 2) or indomethacin-induced (n = 6) closure of PDA was associated with weaning from the respirator and a concomitant drop into the normal and subnormal range of the excretion rates of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (P less than 0.01) and PGE-M (P less than 0.02).

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Reduction by prostacyclin of acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in the mouse.

The effect of prostacyclin on acetaminophen-induced liver injury has been investigated in the mouse. Two structurally unrelated thromboxane synthetase inhibitors, OKY 1581 and benzyl imidazole, were also examined in order to investigate the role of the prostacyclin-thromboxane balance in the development of hepatic lesions. Whereas prostacyclin or OKY 1581 given shortly after acetaminophen prevented mortality and reduced liver necrosis, as assessed by serum ALT activity and histology, benzyl imidazole was only effective if given prior to acetaminophen. Acetaminophen overdose resulted in an enhanced prostaglandin and thromboxane generation by liver homogenates. While OKY 1581 inhibited thromboxane production by the liver homogenates, prostacyclin synthesis was increased. Pretreatment with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin blocked both the increase in prostacyclin generation and the protective effect of OKY 1581. Benzyl imidazole inhibited the synthesis of thromboxane but did not enhance prostacyclin production. In addition, the protective effect of benzyl imidazole was unaltered by indomethacin pretreatment. Furthermore, whereas benzyl imidazole interfered with hepatic drug metabolism, as assessed by prolongation of the pentobarbitone sleeping time, prostacyclin and OKY 1581 were without activity. Prostacyclin treatment can prevent acetaminophen-induced liver necrosis in mice. Enhanced prostacyclin synthesis by the selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor OKY 1581 also exerts a protective role in this model.

Acetaminophen↗