Cellular (thrombocytes, granulocytes) effects of proteinase inhibitors--gabexylate, gabexate mesilate (FOY) and aprotinin.

Because of the involvement of proteinases in the activation mechanism of thrombocytes and granulocytes, the effect of proteinase inhibitors was tested. To document cell activation we used thrombocyte and granulocyte aggregation. Chemiluminescence and superoxide production were used as parameters for the release of activated oxygen compounds, and lysozyme as a marker of lysosomal enzyme release. FOY and aprotinin inhibited all but not arachidonic acid thrombocyte aggregation. Only aprotinin diminished granulocyte responses to various stimuli, while FOY was without effect at concentration less than 100 microM.