Platelet adhesivity to subendothelium is influenced by polymorphonuclear leukocytes: studies with aspirin and salicylate.

Interactions between blood platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) influence cell reactivity. We have examined the effects of inhibiting platelet and PMN cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, by treatment with aspirin (ASA) and salicylate (SAL) on platelet-vessel wall interaction studied under flow conditions by means of an annular chamber perfusion system. We have also measured the levels of cyclooxygenase-derived metabolites during perfusion. Perfusates were prepared with untreated and ASA- or SAL-treated PMN or platelets. Our results demonstrated that blockage of the lipoxygenase pathway in PMN significantly increased platelet thrombus formation and favored the production of thromboxane B2 (TxB2) during perfusion, whereas inhibition of cyclooxygenase pathway in PMN had no effect either on platelet deposition or on TxB2 levels. In contrast, blockage of platelet cyclooxygenase, which caused almost total inhibition of TxB2, enhanced platelet adhesion and did not modify platelet thrombus formation. These results suggest that under dynamic conditions cooperative metabolic mechanisms between platelets and PMN directly influence platelet interaction with vascular subendothelium.