Effect of cyclooxygenase inhibition on platelet-vessel wall interaction.

Prostaglandins play an important role in the platelet-vessel wall interaction. Acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the cyclooxygenase activity within the vessel wall. Continuous superfusion with acetylsalicylic acid induces a rapid, but evanescent decrease in thromboformation. The trigger mechanism involved could be related to the ratio of cyclic endoperoxides (PGG2 and PGH2) versus prostacyclin (PGI2).