The effect of inhibition of endothelial cell cyclooxygenase on arterial thrombosis.

Arterial platelet thrombosis was induced in vivo in a branch of the mesenteric artery of the white Wistar rat by topical superfusion by adenosine diphosphate following local de-endothelialization of the dissected segment by means of a small electrical current. Detection of the thrombotic phenomena was performed by projection of the arterial segment onto a set of light sensitive elements, which allows the registration of several discriminating parameters. The addition of arachidonic acid to the superfusing mixture results in an increase in thromboformation; this increasing effect can be blocked completely by prior inhibition of the vessel wall cyclooxygenase activity by inhibitors such as flurbiprofen or indomethacin. We therefore concluded that the arachidonate cascade, triggered within the endothelial cells, is involved in platelet-vessel wall interaction leading ultimately to local thrombosis.