Prostacyclin-dependent differences in TXA2 formation by platelets from normal and atherosclerotic rabbits.

Intact platelets from atherosclerotic rabbits release more thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) than platelets from normal rabbits following incubation with [14C]arachidonic acid (AA). In contrast, no difference is found between homogenates of platelets from normal and atherosclerotic animals. PGI2 stimulates cAMP accumulation and inhibits TXB2 formation more potently in intact platelets from atherosclerotic than from normal rabbits, but has no effect on AA metabolism in homogenised platelets.