Prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 production by human cardiac atrial tissues.

We examined the generation of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 in the right atrial tissues obtained from patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. In all instances, the capability of atrial tissues to produce these potent prostaglandins was identified. The identity of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 was confirmed by use of specific radioimmunoassays of stable metabolites and by use of specific thromboxane A2 synthetase and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors.