Ascorbic acid enhances the formation of prostaglandin E1 in washed human platelets and prostacyclin in rat aortic rings.

Effects of ascorbic acid at physiologically achieved concentrations were examined on the metabolism of exogenous dihomo-gamma -linolenic acid and arachidonic acid (AA) in washed human platelets, and of AA in rat aortic rings. In the presence of ascorbic acid an increased formation of PGF1 alpha, PGE1 and PGE2 was observed in platelets. Also this vitamin induced an increased production of prostacyclin (measured as its stable metabolite 6-keto-PGF1 alpha) from exogenously provided substrate in aortic rings. In addition, from endogenous stores of AA in aortic rings ascorbic acid induced an increased generation of prostacyclin as revealed by inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation.