Arachidonic acid induces human platelet-fibrin retraction: the role of platelet cyclic endoperoxides.

Arachidonic acid (0.2-0.8 mM) retracts clots formed in human citrated platelet-rich plasma by batroxobin. Extracellular calcium ions, but not the secretion of ADP by platelets, are required. AA-induced clot-retraction requires cyclo-oxygenase but not thromboxane synthetase activity since the retraction is inhibited by aspirin but not by selective inhibitors of thromboxane synthesis. The data indicate that endogenous cyclic endoperoxides mediate the retraction. Moreover, intact endoperoxide/thromboxane receptors also seem to be necessary because clot retraction is inhibited by thromboxane receptor antagonists.