Response of dairy heifers to Prostaglandin F2α after treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin1

After the observation of estrus following administration of Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), 79 dairy heifers were randomly either injected with 2500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 48 h postestrus or maintained as controls with no injection at that time. Five to 9 d later, after a blood sample for progesterone determination was taken, all heifers were injected with 25 mg of PGF2alpha. Heifers observed in estrus within the next 5 d were inseminated about 12 h after initial observation and were palpated for pregnancy 45 to 60 d postinsemination. Heifers treated with hCG had higher progesterone concentrations, reduced and delayed estrual responses, and lower insemination fertility rates when compared with control heifers.

The mitogenic effect of 15- and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid on endothelial cells may be mediated via diacylglycerol kinase inhibition

15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), a major lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid in fetal bovine aortic endothelial cells, was a mitogen for these cells, stimulating both cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in the presence of serum and serum-deprived cells. In [14C]arachidonic acid-labeled confluent endothelial cell monolayers, 15-HETE (30 microM) caused an elevation of [14C]diacylglycerol (DAG) with a concomitant decrease in cellular [14C]phosphatidylinositol (PI) in both unstimulated and stimulated cells. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol, a synthetic DAG analog, stimulated endothelial cell DNA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. In [3H]inositol-labeled cells, 15-HETE also caused a decrease in cellular PI content under both basal and stimulated conditions. 15-HETE, however, had no effect on either isolated phospholipase C activity or phosphoinositide turnover in lithium chloride-treated cells. In intact cells, 15-HETE (30 microM) inhibited the synthesis of [3H]PI from [3H]inositol (80% inhibition, p less than 0.001). In human red cell membranes, the production of phosphatidic acid from endogenous DAG was inhibited by 15-HETE in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 41 microM. Although 12-HETE had effects similar to those of 15-HETE, the parent compound arachidonic acid did not affect DNA synthesis or DAG kinase activity. Our study thus demonstrates that the mitogenic activity of 15- and 12-HETE on endothelial cells may be mediated via DAG kinase inhibition with the concomitant accumulation of cellular DAG.

Analysis of blood HETE levels by selected ion monitoring with ricinoleic acid as the internal standard

Selected ion monitoring of mass fragments of peaks from capillary gas chromatograms permits a sensitive and selective analysis of positional isomers of hydroxy-eicosanoids (as their methyl ester, trimethylsilyl ether derivatives). Because deuterated analogs of these HETEs are not readily available, stable isotope dilution cannot be easily performed. We have developed a method for the quantitation of HETEs using ricinoleic acid (12-hydroxy-oleic acid) as an internal standard. Ricinoleic acid is monitored at m/z 187, while 5-, 12-, and 15-HETEs (those commonly found in biological systems) are monitored at m/z 255, 295 and 225 respectively. The procedure has proven linear for levels from 0.03 to greater than 3.0 nmol HETE per nmol standard. There is however significant "crossover" among the HETEs, requiring preliminary resolution of the various isomers by reverse phase HPLC in samples containing more than one HETE. Recovery of authentic standards added to various blood samples through the extraction, resolution and analyses averaged over 90%. Using this procedure, mean plasma concentrations were found to be less than 0.1 microM for all HETEs tested, while serum levels were approximately 0.3, 0.8 and 0.1 microM for 5-, 12-, and 15-HETE respectively. Serum formed in the presence of 2mM arachidonic acid plus 25 microM A23187, to maximize HETE production, contained an average of 4, 22 and 1 microM 5-, 12- and 15-HETE respectively. Thus while normal human plasma contains sufficient quantities of the various HETEs to produce some of the biological effects attributed to these metabolites, there is potential for an even greater production when sufficient substrate is available.

13-Hydroxyoctadeca-9,11-dienoic acid (13-HODE) inhibits thromboxane A2 synthesis, and stimulates 12-HETE production in human platelets

The effect of 13-hydroxyoctadeca-9,11-dienoic acid (13-HODE), a major lipoxygenase product of endothelial cell linoleic acid metabolism on thrombin-induced platelet thromboxane B2 (TxB2), and 12-hydroxyeico-satetraenoic acid (12-HETE) production was evaluated. 13-HODE inhibited thrombin-induced TxB2 production in human platelets in a concentration-dependent manner. At concentrations of 10 and 30 microM, 13-HODE inhibited TxB2 production by 28 +/- 8% (1SE, n = 5; P less than 0.05) and 48 +/- 6% (P less than 0.01) respectively. 13-HODE (30 microM) also inhibited the production of platelet hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (38 +/- 5%, P less than 0.01). A concomitant stimulation of 12-HETE production by 13-HODE was observed (25 +/- 5% and 49 +/- 22% over control values at 10 and 30 microM respectively, P less than 0.01). Our results demonstrate a differential effect of 13-HODE on thrombin stimulated platelet cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolites.

13-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) stimulates prostacyclin production by endothelial cells

The effect of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), an endogenous lipoxygenase metabolite of linoleic acid, on prostacyclin production by fetal bovine aortic endothelial cells was evaluated. Time-dependent release of radioimmunoassayable 6KPGF1 alpha in the presence of 13-HODE (10 uM) was stimulated by 39%, 27%, and 34% at 10, 30 and 120 min respectively. 13-HODE (10 uM) had no effect on the conversion of exogenous [14C] arachidonic acid (AA) to prostacyclin. When the effect on AA release was evaluated in [14C] AA prelabeled cells, 13-HODE (10nM) stimulated the release of AA from membrane phospholipids. Analysis of cellular phospholipids revealed a significant decrease in phosphatidylethanolamine. Our results demonstrate that 13-HODE stimulates prostacyclin production by enhancing AA release from phospholipids.

Cyclooxygenase inhibition reduces placental transfer: reversal by carbacyclin

The effect of the cyclooxygenase inhibitors, indomethacin and ibuprofen, on diffusional transfer in the human placenta was assessed with the dual-perfused isolated placental lobe. Antipyrine, a freely diffusible substance, was used as an indicator of placental transfer efficiency. Each inhibitor (100 mumol/L) was perfused for 30 minutes after a baseline period, resulting in a significant reduction in antipyrine clearance. During a subsequent washout period, ibuprofen-inhibited antipyrine clearance returned to baseline values, whereas indomethacin-inhibited clearance remained reduced. An additional 30 minutes perfusion of 500 mumol/L of ibuprofen resulted in a further reduction in antipyrine clearance compared with 100 mumol/L of ibuprofen, suggesting a dosage-related effect. The perfusion of each inhibitor caused a reduced production of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (the stable metabolite of prostacyclin) in the fetal circulation. The simultaneous perfusion of carbacyclin, a prostacyclin analogue, at 100 nmol/L and 1 mumol/L resulted in a dosage-dependent reversal of the effects of ibuprofen (500 mumol/L) on antipyrine clearance. The results indicate that the inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity reduces placental transfer and that the effects of these inhibitors are reversed by carbacyclin. This study suggests that the use of cyclooxygenase inhibitors during pregnancy could compromise the developing fetus by reducing placental transfer.

Flexor digitorum profundus entrapment after closed treatment of a displaced Colles' fracture

Osseous entrapment of the flexor digitorum profundus tendons to the long and ring fingers occurred at the fracture site after closed reduction of a comminuted, displaced Colles' fracture. The prominent tenodesis effect was relieved by tenolysis 6 months after the injury.

Endothelial cell proliferation may be mediated via the production of endogenous lipoxygenase metabolites

Endogenous regulators of endothelial cell proliferation have not been clearly defined. We investigated whether the cyclooxygenase and/or lipoxygenase metabolites are involved in this process, and report that lipoxygenase products can modulate endothelial cell growth. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid--a lipoxygenase inhibitor, inhibited endothelial cell proliferation as well as DNA synthesis. 5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraynoic acid--an inhibitor of both lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase also inhibited endothelial cell DNA synthesis, while indomethacin--a selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor did not affect cell proliferation or DNA synthesis. While arachidonic acid stimulated DNA synthesis, this effect was completely abolished by nordihydroguaiaretic acid. These results demonstrate that products of the lipoxygenase pathway can affect endothelial cell proliferation.

Enhancement of ovulation rate in gilts by increasing dietary energy and administering insulin during follicular growth

Two experiments were conducted to examine influences of dietary energy and insulin on ovulation rate and patterns of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), glucose, insulin and estradiol in gilts during 6 d before estrus. In Exp. 1, 36 gilts were given altrenogest for 14 d to synchronize estrus. In a factorial arrangement, gilts were fed one of two levels of dietary energy (5,771 or 9,960 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/d), and given one of two levels of porcine insulin (0 or .1 IU/kg body weight iv every 6 h). Dietary treatments began 4 d before and insulin treatments began 1 d after the last day of altrenogest, respectively, and lasted until 24 h after estrus. Main effect means for number of corpora lutea were 14.0 +/- 1.3 and 17.6 +/- .9 for 5,771 and 9,960 kcal ME (P less than .05), and 14.6 +/- 1.0 and 17.0 +/- .9 for 0 and .1 IU insulin (P less than .05). Number of LH peaks on d 3 was greater for gilts that received 9,960 kcal than 5,771 kcal (3.3 +/- .2 vs 2.7 +/- .2; P less than .05), and for .1 than 0 IU insulin (3.2 +/- .2 vs 2.7 +/- .2; P less than .05). During the first 24 h of sampling, concentrations of LH and FSH were greater (P less than .05) in gilts receiving 9,960 kcal ME plus insulin than for other treatment combinations. Concentrations of estradiol were not affected by treatments. In Exp. 2, two formulations of insulin were evaluated for influence on ovulation rate. All gilts received altrenogest and 9,960 kcal ME/d as in Exp. 1. Then on the first day after altrenogest, seven gilts each received short-acting insulin (as in Exp. 1), long-acting insulin (zinc suspension, 1.0 IU/kg body weight every 18 to 24 h), or served as controls. Ovulation rates were increased (P less than .05) by both insulin preparations (15.6, control; 19.1, short-acting; 18.5, long-acting; SE = 1.2). Concentrations of LH tended to be greater after short-acting insulin, but differences were not significant (P = .13). We conclude that increases in ovulation rate produced by dietary energy and insulin are not necessarily accompanied by changes in gonadotropins or estradiol.

Decreased plasma arachidonic acid binding capacity in neonates

Arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites have been implicated in neonatal pathologic states such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Since free (nonprotein bound) AA is the substrate for synthesis of these compounds, a decreased capacity to bind AA in neonatal plasma could contribute to these disorders. AA binding was assayed by equilibrium dialysis in plasma samples from healthy adults and various infant groups. Plasma from these infant groups bound significantly less AA than adult plasma. Premature infants with RDS and premature infants receiving intralipid had the lowest capacity to bind AA. The increased availability of free AA may be important in neonatal pathophysiologic states involving arachidonate metabolites.

Time-dependent inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase by indomethacin is slowly reversible

Indomethacin has been characterized in vitro as a time-dependent, irreversible inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase, yet its effects on human platelets have been found to be reversible in vivo. To understand this apparent contradiction, we have investigated the kinetics of recovery of platelet thromboxane production after a single dose of indomethacin. The inhibition of platelet thromboxane production was greater than would be expected from the levels of indomethacin found in the plasma suggesting that the time-dependent inhibition occurs in vivo. Yet recovery of platelet thromboxane production was faster than expected for an irreversible inhibitor, with 50% of control values being regained within 24 hours after ingestion of the drug. When platelets were isolated and resuspended in homologous drug-free plasma, slow recovery of thromboxane production was seen to occur with 50% of control activity regained in 100 minutes. This recovery was much slower than that seen from a competitive inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase, ibuprofen. Ibuprofen-treated platelets recovered nearly completely immediately on being resuspended in drug-free plasma. When microsomes were isolated from platelets, then treated with indomethacin, no time-dependent recovery of activity was seen. The recovery of cyclo-oxygenase after indomethacin inhibition appears to be limited to the unperturbed enzyme in its natural milieu.

Bleeding time in hemophilia A: potential mechanisms for prolongation

Prolongation of bleeding time has been previously observed in hemophilia, although no cause has been elucidated. We measured bleeding time, platelet aggregation, nucleotide release, and thromboxane B2 (TXB2), plasma 6-keto-PGF 1 alpha, platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG), and circulating immune complexes in 31 unselected patients with severe hemophilia A and in 17 controls. In 85% of patients with hemophilia A, the bleeding time was greater than 2 SD above the control level (greater than 8 minutes). Sixty-six percent of patients with hemophilia A had circulating immune complexes, and there was a striking relationship between the presence of these complexes and prolonged bleeding time. Plasma 6-keto-PGF 1 alpha levels were significantly elevated in the patient group, and correlated with bleeding time changes. Platelet aggregation and nucleotide release were normal in the patients with hemophilia, although reduced platelet TXB2 biosynthesis was noted in 26%. No correlation was demonstrated between bleeding time and impairment of platelet TXB2 formation. Seventy-two percent of the patients with hemophilia A had elevated levels of PAIgG, and an inverse relationship between PAIgG and platelet count was observed. No relationship was noted between platelet count and bleeding time. This study indicates that the majority of patients with hemophilia A have prolonged bleeding times. The close correlation between bleeding time, plasma 6-keto-PGF 1 alpha levels, and the presence of circulating immune complexes suggests a role for immune complex-mediated defects in vascular function as the basis for bleeding time prolongation.

15-Hydroxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid inhibits human vascular cyclooxygenase. Potential role in diabetic vascular disease

Human umbilical arteries converted arachidonic acid to three hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) as well as prostaglandins. The mono-HETEs have been identified by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy as 15-HETE and 11-HETE. 15-HETE in arterial segments appears to be derived mainly via the 15-lipoxygenase pathway, whereas 11-HETE, and the presumed di-HETE(s) were products of cyclooxygenase. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, stimulated prostanoid production with a concomitant inhibition of 15-HETE formation. These results suggested that 15-HETE may function as an endogenous regulator of prostacyclin. In human umbilical arterial microsomes, 15-HETE was found to inhibit 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and total prostanoid production in a concentration-dependent manner (median inhibition constant [IC50] of 52 +/- 3 and 63 +/- 4 microM respectively). The relative distribution of prostaglandins, however, remained unaffected, indicating that the site of action was cyclooxygenase. Kinetic analysis revealed that 15-HETE was a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme. Although no changes in maximum velocity occurred, the apparent Km was significantly different (9.3 +/- 6.9 microM [1 SD] for control vs. 37.6 +/- 17.7 microM for the 15-HETE-treated enzyme). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of 15-HETE on prostacyclin production was confirmed using cultured bovine endothelial cells. In this cell system, not only did 15-HETE inhibit endogenous prostacyclin production, but also the conversion of exogenous [1-14C]arachidonic acid to prostacyclin (IC50 of 40 +/- 17 microM). No effect on arachidonic acid release was noted. To investigate whether our in vitro finding that 15-HETE inhibited prostacyclin production could be relevant to the in vivo situation, our final studies were performed on vasculature obtained from the diabetic milieu. We found that the production of 15-HETE was significantly increased in vasculature obtained from the infant of the diabetic mother (1.14 +/- 0.26 pmol/mg) when compared to control neonates (0.77 +/- 0.22; P less than 0.01). A concomitant decrease in prostacyclin production was seen (51.6 +/- 12.6 pmol/mg in infants of diabetic mothers vs. 71 +/- 22.3 in controls). Moreover, an inverse correlation between these two eicosanoids was also noted. Our results suggest a potential in vivo regulatory role for 15-HETE on prostacyclin production.

Re-examination of the assay for plasma prostanoids by solid-phase extraction, and radioimmunoassay

A method for the routine assay of plasma thromboxane and prostacyclin metabolites, thromboxane B2 and 6 keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (employing solid phase extraction to remove the metabolites from interfering substances) and using commercially available antisera for their radioimmunoassay has been investigated. Modifications of previously published procedures have been explored, including the use of non-explosive solvents in the extraction procedure, and inclusion of a non-cross reacting internal standard, prostaglandin D2, to estimate recovery through the extraction procedures. Both the original and modified procedures can produce high blank values, which apparently result from the solid-phase extraction. These high backgrounds are constant for a given lot of solid phase extraction cartridges and can be corrected by subtraction. The modified method is linear with volume of plasma assayed to as little as one ml, and all cross-reacting material in normal human plasma was found to co-chromatograph with authentic standards on reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Values for normal adult plasmas were found to be 0.44 +/- .15 pmol/ml 6 keto PGF1 alpha (mean +/- SD) and .103 +/- .07 for thromboxane B2. The method reported provides a convenient, reproducible way to assay these important plasma prostanoids.

Insemination management for a one-injection prostaglandin F2α synchronization system. II. One versus two inseminations following detection of estrus

Following detection of estrus in an estrus synchronization system, 216 dairy heifers were inseminated (A.I.) randomly either soon after detected estrus (1X) or soon after detected estrus and again 10 to 12 h later (2X). Average h from detection of estrus to A.I. was 1.8+/-0 for 1X and 1.1+/-0 and 11.1+/-0.4 for 2X. During the regimen, heifers were checked visually for estrus daily for five consecutive days with 16.0 and 17.3% showing estrus and receiving A.I. in the 1X and 2X groups, respectively. Those not seen in estrus were injected with 25 mg PGF(2)alpha with observations for estrus and A.I. continuing for five more days. Response rates as indicated by estrus following prostaglandin F(2)alpha (PGF(2)alpha) were 74.7 and 75.8% for 1X and 2X, respectively. Percentages of heifers in estrus <24, 25 to 48, 49 to 72, 73 to 96 and >96 h after PGF(2)alpha were 3.7, 22.8, 47.1, 15.4 and 11.0, respectively. Based on rectal palpation for pregnancy between 45 and 60 days after A.I., conception rates of 70.2% for 1X and 68.6% for 2X did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Progesterone concentrations at injection for heifers not responding to PGF(2)alpha were lower than was seen in responding heifers (2.7 vs 5.8 ng/ml) (P<0.01). Data from the present experiment supports the conclusion of an earlier experiment that satisfactory conception can be achieved with a single, established daily insemination period.

Abnormalities in vascular arachidonic acid metabolism in the infant of the diabetic mother

The infant of the diabetic mother has an increased incidence of thromboses in utero and in the neonatal period. In the adult with diabetes a decrease in prostacyclin formation has been suggested as a cause for the atherothrombotic tendency. We therefore evaluated arachidonic acid metabolism in infants of diabetic mothers. Endogenous radioimmunoassayable 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha (PGF1 alpha) was normal in umbilical vessels obtained from the infants of diabetic mothers whose glucose homoeostasis was maintained when compared with control values. Nevertheless, a significant inhibition of vascular production of 6-keto PGF1 alpha was observed in infants born to mothers with raised HbA1C concentrations. A decrease in the concentration of plasma 6-keto PGF1 alpha was also seen in the infants of diabetic mothers when compared with control neonates. The correlation observed between plasma 6-keto PGF1 alpha concentrations and endogenous vascular prostacyclin formation in the infants of diabetic mothers indicates that the in vitro deficiency of prostacyclin formation reflects a concomitant in vivo abnormality.

Effect of changes in oxygen tension on vascular and platelet hydroxyacid metabolites. II. Hypoxia increases 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, a proangiogenic metabolite

Current strict O2 management may be precipitating more severe retinopathy of prematurity than would occur with a more lenient approach. Hypoxemia in an animal model has also been found to worsen retinal neovascularization. It has recently been shown that the hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids can modulate angiogenesis. 15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid is proangiogenic, whereas 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid is an antiangiogenic metabolite. In vitro exposure of paired human neonatal vessels (n = 7) to hypoxia enhanced the production of total vascular hydroxyacids (232 +/- 36 pmol/mg of protein [experimental group] nu 168 +/- 31 pmol [control group]; P less than .01). The increase in vascular 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid under hypoxic conditions was even more significant (P less than .001). However, platelet production of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid was not significantly affected by hypoxia. These observations suggest a possible biochemical basis for the abnormal angiogenic process that occurs during the proliferation phase of the retinopathy of prematurity. The production of local hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids in tissues manifesting abnormal neovascularization needs to be further evaluated.

Formation of 11-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in human umbilical arteries is catalyzed by cyclooxygenase

Human umbilical arteries convert arachidonic acid into three hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids as well as 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, prostaglandins E2, F2 alpha and D2 and thromboxane B2. Two of these hydroxy derivatives of arachidonic acid were purified by reverse-phase HPLC and identified by GC-MS as 11-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (11-HETE) and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) while a third, presumed dihydroxy derivative has not yet been identified. Both the cyclooxygenase and HETE synthesizing activities were found to be localized mainly in the microsomal fraction (100 000 X g pellet) (51 and 61% of total, respectively), and approx. 25% of both activities was found in the 10 000 X g pellet. The formation of these HETEs was inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin and aspirin but not by the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid. Production of immunoreactive 15-HETE as well as 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha were also decreased significantly when arterial segments were incubated in the presence of either indomethacin or aspirin. Indomethacin inhibited the formation of both prostanoids and HETEs by microsomes in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. The ID50 values for indomethacin against HETE synthesizing activity and against cyclooxygenase were 4.5 and 3.8 microM, respectively. The inactivation constants were found to be 0.09 and 0.08 min-1 for HETE synthesizing activity and cyclooxygenase, respectively. These two microsomal activities were solubilized in parallel with Tween-20. Incubation with three distinct monoclonal antibodies against different epitopes on cyclooxygenase precipitated both cyclooxygenase and HETE synthesizing activity. Each of these activities was recovered in the immune pellets. These studies demonstrate that in human umbilical arteries 11-HETE, 15-HETE and a presumed di-HETE are the products of cyclooxygenase.

Megakaryocyte thromboxane production induced by platelet stimuli during in vitro culture

Megakaryocytes isolated from guinea pigs produced thromboxane (assayed by radioimmunoassay as thromboxane B2) in response to the platelet aggregatory stimuli arachidonic acid, thrombin, and the calcium ionophore A23187. The relative responses to these stimuli were similar in megakaryocytes and platelets from the same animals. When the megakaryocytes were maintained in short-term in vitro culture, all three stimuli still elicited thromboxane production. Following overnight in vitro culture, thromboxane production in response to thrombin decreased, overall, to under 60% of control values, increased approximately threefold in response to A23187, but did not show any alteration in response to arachidonic acid. Requirements for calcium were virtually unchanged. These results demonstrate that megakaryocytes contain all of the pathways needed for arachidonic acid mobilization from phospholipids in response to thrombin or A23187 and conversion of that arachidonate to thromboxane. These pathways are retained by the cells in short-term in vitro culture.

Inhibition of human malignant neuroblastoma cell DNA synthesis by lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid

In vivo studies have shown that inhibitors of cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid may diminish growth and metastasis of certain tumors. Because cyclooxygenase inhibition may increase the production of lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism, we have investigated the effect of two such products, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) on tumor cell proliferation in vitro. When neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH) in culture were treated with 12-HETE for 18 hr, incorporation of [3H]thymidine was inhibited up to 64% at concentrations from 20 to 50 microM. Under the same conditions, 15-HETE resulted in inhibition of up to 46%, while arachidonic acid had no apparent effect. When evaluated in the presence of serum, 12-HETE at a concentration of 120 microM produced a 20.6 +/- 2.8% (S.E.) inhibition of the increase in total DNA content over 48 hr, while 15-HETE at this concentration produced a 16.5 +/- 5.3% inhibition. We conclude that 12-HETE, the product of platelet lipoxygenase, and 15-HETE, a product of neutrophil and lymphocyte lipoxygenases, can inhibit human neuroblastoma cell growth in vitro and may play a role in the effect of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on tumor growth in vivo.

In vitro comparison of the efficacy of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on the adult versus neonatal platelet

Neonates manifest more hemorrhagic tendencies when exposed to either acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or indomethacin in comparison to adults. We therefore assessed the susceptibility of neonatal and adult platelets to the effects of these cyclooxygenase inhibitors in vitro. Baseline thromboxane B2 production in response to thrombin was similar in platelets from the adult and neonate. Following exposure to varying concentrations (0.5-100 microM) of either ASA or indomethacin, platelet thromboxane B2 was inhibited to a similar extent in both adult and neonatal platelets. Our study demonstrates that the enhanced tendency to bleeding observed in the neonate following exposure to ASA or indomethacin is not due to an enhanced susceptibility of the neonatal platelet enzyme to the effects of cyclooxygenase inhibition.

Kinetic analyses of the effects of hyperoxia and hypoxia on vascular cyclooxygenase activity in vitro

Kinetic analyses were performed to understand the mechanism of hyperoxic induced inhibition of prostacyclin synthesis by human umbilical arteries. Brief exposure of arterial segments to oxygen resulted in over 30% decrease in Vmax of cyclooxygenase in treated vessels. In contrast, cyclooxygenase from hypoxic arterial segments showed approximately a 49% increase in Vmax. There were no significant differences in apparent Km values. These studies suggest that the decreased production of prostacyclin by hyperoxic tissue is due to cyclooxygenase inactivation.