Reversible inhibition of thromboxane A2 production by imidazole 2-hydroxybenzoate (ITF 182) in the arachidonic acid injected rat. A comparison with acetylsalicylic acid and indometacin.

The behavior of imidazole 2-hydroxybenzoate (ITF 182), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and indometacin (INN; in some pharmacopoeias called indomethacin) in inhibiting thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostaglandin (PGs) production in the blood of the rat intravenously injected with arachidonic acid was studied. ITF 182 caused a selective inhibition of TXA2 production with a time-dependent reversible action. An irreversible inhibition of PGs production was shown by ASA whereas a reversible inhibition could be observed with indometacin. The PGs involved in the physiological processes, may be spared after ITF 182 administration contrary to what occurs after ASA or indometacin administration.