Do prostacyclin and thromboxane play a role in endotoxic shock?

The role of prostacyclin and thromboxane during endotoxic shock is unknown. Using new radioimmunoassay techniques, we have studied the plasma levels of stable metabolites of prostacyclin (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) and thromboxane (TxB2) in a porcine model of endotoxic shock. TxB2 levels were markedly elevated but the production of prostacyclin appears to be impaired. Correction of this prostanoid imbalance by the infusion of prostacyclin or pre-treatment with a specific thromboxane synthetase inhibitor produces significant and beneficial effects on blood pressure and pre-kallikrein activation.