Local intra-uterine Ang-(1-7) infusion attenuates PGE2 and 6-keto PGF1α in decidualized uterus of pseudopregnant rats

BACKGROUND

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostanoids (PGE_2, PGI₂) are important contributors to the process of decidualization. Previous studies showed the presence of Ang-(1-7) in the primary and secondary decidualized zones of the implantation site at early pregnancy. Decreased concentrations of Ang-(1-7) were found in the decidualized uterus compared to the non-decidualized uterus of pseudopregnant rats, suggesting that low levels of Ang-(1-7) are required for successful decidualization at early pregnancy.

METHODS

To understand the role of Ang-(1-7) in prostaglandin production in a decidualized uterus, induced by a bolus injection of sesame oil, Ang-(1-7) (24 μg/kg/h) or vehicle was then infused directly into the decidualized uterine horn using an osmotic minipump. The right horns were not injected or infused and served as non-decidualized uterine horns in both groups of animals.

RESULTS

Decidualization increased PGE₂ concentration in the uterus (0.53 ± 0.05 vs. 12.0 ± 3.2 pmol/mg protein, p < 0.001, non-decidualized vs. decidualized horns); Ang-(1-7) infusion attenuated the increase of PGE₂ (12.0 ± 3.2 vs. 5.1 ± 1.3 pmol/mg protein, p < 0.01 control vs. Ang-(1-7) treated decidualized horns). The stable metabolite of PGI₂ (6-keto PGF_1α) was increased with decidualization (0.79 ± 0.17 vs. 3.5 ± 0.82 pmol/mg protein, p < 0.001, non-decidualized vs. decidualized horns). Ang-(1-7) infusion attenuated the increase in 6-keto PGF_1α in the decidualized horn (3.5 ± 0.82 vs 1.8 ± 0.37 pmol/mg protein, p < 0.05 control vs. Ang-(1-7) treated decidualized horns). The circulating levels of 6-keto-PGF_1a and TXB₂ were decreased by Ang-(1-7) infusion, while no difference was observed in circulating PGE₂. Although the global assessment of cleaved caspase 3 immunostaining, a marker of apoptosis, was unchanged within the Ang-(1-7) decidualized horn, there were localized decreases in cleaved caspase 3 staining in the luminal region in the decidualized uterus of Ang-(1-7)-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show that increased local uterine Ang-(1-7) alters the uterine prostaglandin environment, possibly leading to disruptions of early events of decidualization.

Rhealba® oat plantlet extract: evidence of protein-free content and assessment of regulatory activity on immune inflammatory mediators

Owing to their high content of flavonoids and saponins, plantlets of Avena sativa L. (Poaceae) are likely to possess anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties of value in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). With a view to its potential use in atopic subjects at risk of developing sensitisation to dietary proteins, we prepared a plantlet extract without proteins and isolated 2 flavonoids, isoorientin-2''- O-arabinoside (1) and isovitexin-2''- O-arabinoside (2), and two saponins, avenacosides A (3) and B (4). The absence of protein in this extract was evidenced by electrophoresis and Western immunoblotting. Furthermore, Western immunoblotting demonstrated the absence of cross-reaction between grain and plantlet proteins. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of the plantlet extract and its compounds IN VITRO in a model of keratinocyte inflammation: 6-keto prostaglandin F1 α production was inhibited by the plantlet extract (- 35 % and - 57 % at 10 and 30 µg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001) and isoorientin-2''- O-arabinoside (- 31 %, - 51 %, and - 56 % at 3, 10, and 30 µg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). Intracellular interleukin-2 production in activated T lymphocytes was also inhibited by 16 %, 27 %, and 31 % with 3, 10, and 30 µg/mL plantlet extract, respectively, and by 23 % and 32 % with 3 and 10 µg/mL avenacoside A, respectively, (p < 0.001), demonstrating their immunoregulatory activity IN VITRO. The plantlet extract was also effective on the phenotype and function of dendritic cells (DC) differentiated from monocytes. It decreased the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules on DC and significantly impaired their stimulatory activity on autologous T-cell proliferation (-25 %, p < 0.05). In conclusion, this protein-free oat plantlet extract exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities in vitro.

Low-density lipoprotein inhibits receptor-mediated prostaglandin synthesis without affecting calcium and arachidonic acid mobilization in human endothelial cells

Vascular serotonin 5-HT1 receptors have quiescent constrictor activity that is activated by other vasoactive agents such as histamine. Previously, we observed that the 5-HT1-selective agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) potentiated histamine-stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) mobilization and prostaglandin production in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). In the present study, 5-CT was found to potentiate histamine-stimulated calcium mobilization but had no effect on intracellular calcium when added alone. Treatment of HAEC with human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) for 20 hours inhibited the histamine- plus 5-CT-stimulated production of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and the prostacyclin metabolite 6-keto-PGF1alpha. However, the effects of histamine and histamine potentiation by 5-CT on intracellular Ca mobilization and AA release were resistant to LDL treatment. Conversely, the subsequent receptor-independent conversion of AA to prostaglandins was inhibited by LDL. These results demonstrate that histamine and serotonin receptor activity, measured as the stimulation of Ca and AA mobilization, is resistant to LDL exposure under mild oxidizing conditions, whereas the receptor-independent synthesis of prostaglandins is inhibited by LDL. The results also suggest that the LDL-stimulated mobilization of cellular AA is responsible for the LDL-mediated inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. These findings suggest a mechanism by which LDL and/or atherosclerosis could promote the vascular liberation of AA that is not converted to endothelium-derived prostaglandins and is therefore available as substrate for the production of other eicosanoids.

Endothelin-induced constriction of the ductus venosus in fetal sheep: developmental aspects and possible interaction with vasodilatory prostaglandin

1. The ductus venosus is actively regulated in the fetus, but questions remain on the presence of a functional sphincter at its inlet. Using fetal sheep (0.6-0.7 gestation onwards), we have examined the morphology of the vessel and have also determined whether endothelin-1 (ET-1) qualifies as a natural constrictor being modulated by prostaglandins (PGs). 2. Masson's staining and alpha-actin immunohistochemistry showed a muscular, sphincter-like formation at the ductus inlet and a muscle layer within the wall of the vessel proper. This muscle cell component increased with age. 3. ET-1 contracted dose-dependently isolated sphincter and extrasphincter preparations of the ductus from term fetus. This ET-1 effect also occurred in the premature, but its threshold was higher. 4. BQ123 (1 microm) caused a rightward shift in the ET-1 dose-response curve, while indomethacin at a threshold concentration (28 nm) tended to have an opposite effect. 5. Big ET-1 also contracted the ductus sphincter but differed from ET-1 for its lesser potency and inhibition by phosphoramidon (50 microm). 6. The ductus sphincter (term and preterm) and extrasphincter (term) released 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) (hence PGI(2)) and, to a lesser degree, PGE(2) at rest and their release increased dose-dependently upon ET-1 treatment. Both basal and stimulated release was curtailed by endothelium removal. 7. BQ123 and phosphoramidon reduced slightly the contraction of ductus sphincter to indomethacin (2.8 microm). 8. We conclude that the ductus contains a contractile mechanism in the sphincter and extrasphincter regions. ET-1 lends itself to a role in the generation of contractile tone and its action may be modulated by prostaglandins.

Arachidonic acid metabolites and an early stage of pulmonary hypertension in chronically hypoxic newborn pigs

Our purpose was to determine whether production of arachidonic acid metabolites, particularly cyclooxygenase (COX) metabolites, is altered in 100-400-microm-diameter pulmonary arteries of piglets at an early stage of pulmonary hypertension. Piglets were raised in either room air (control) or hypoxia for 3 days. A cannulated artery technique was used to measure responses of 100-400-microm-diameter pulmonary arteries to arachidonic acid, a prostacyclin analog, or the thromboxane mimetic. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine pulmonary artery production of thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha) (6-keto-PGF(1alpha)), the stable metabolites of thromboxane and prostacyclin, respectively. Assessment of abundances of COX pathway enzymes in pulmonary arteries was determined by immunoblot technique. Arachidonic acid induced less dilation in pulmonary arteries from hypoxic than in pulmonary arteries from control piglets. Pulmonary artery responses to prostacyclin and were similar for both groups. 6-Keto-PGF(1alpha) production was reduced, whereas TxB(2) production was increased in pulmonary arteries from hypoxic piglets. Abundances of both COX-1 and prostacyclin synthase were reduced, whereas abundances of both COX-2 and thromboxane synthase were unaltered in pulmonary arteries from hypoxic piglets. At least partly due to altered abundances of COX pathway enzymes, a shift in production of arachidonic acid metabolites, away from dilators toward constrictors, may contribute to the early phase of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in newborn piglets.

Discordant effect of aspirin and indomethacin on intestinal tumor burden in Apc(Min/+)mice

Epidemiologic and animal studies indicate that sustained use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a chemopreventive effect against the incidence of colorectal neoplasia and subsequent mortality. We previously demonstrated that sulindac significantly reduces intestinal tumor load in Apc(Min/+)mice and the tumor regression was not necessarily correlated with prostaglandin biosynthesis. In the present study, we further investigate the relationship of NSAID treatment and tumorigenesis in the Apc(Min/+)mouse model. We demonstrate that indomethacin (9 ppm) is a very potent chemopreventive agent, reducing tumor load by 85% and significantly inhibiting basal and ex vivo prostaglandin formation (P< 0.006 and P< 0.0001, respectively). Aspirin (400 ppm) has a similar impact on reducing prostaglandin levels, but in contrast to indomethacin, is uneffective in reducing the tumor load. The data indicate a discordance between the impact of different NSAIDs on tumorigenesis in Apc(Min/+)mice.

Antinociceptive activity of a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (M-5011) with low ulcerogenic effects in mice

Both analgesic and ulcerogenic activities of d-2-[4-(3-methyl-2-thienyl)phenyl] propionic acid (M-5011), a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), were compared with those of indomethacin (IND), ketoprofen (KP), diclofenac sodium (DIF), zaltoprofen (ZLT) and tiaprofenic acid (TIA) in mice. All orally administered NSAIDs including M-5011 inhibited kaolin-induced writhing in a dose-dependent manner. M-5011 had an effective antinociceptive activity (ED50 value) of 0.63 mg/kg, being more potent than ZLT (16.80 mg/kg) and TIA (4.78 mg/kg), equipotent to DIF (0.68 mg/kg), and less potent than IND (0.21 mg/kg) and KP (0.28 mg/kg). All drugs tested significantly reduced peritoneal 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) levels at the peak kaolin-induced writhing time (7.5 min post-kaolin injection) without affecting peritoneal bradykinin (BK) levels. Antinociceptive effects of all drugs were closely correlated with inhibition of peritoneal 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels. Ulcerogenic activities (UD50 value) of M-5011 in the stomach and small intestines were 88.23 and 46.09 mg/kg, respectively. UD50 values of other drugs in the stomach and small intestines were as follows: 8.96 and 4.78 mg/kg, 20.04 and 10.75 mg/kg, 4.19 and 2.24 mg/kg, 62.86 and 46.55 mg/kg, and 110.92 and 54.78 mg/kg for IND, KP, DIF, TIA, and ZLT, respectively. Thus, the safety indexes (UD50/ED50) of the stomach (or small intestine) for M-5011, IND, KP, DIF, TIA and ZLT were 140.05 (73.16), 42.67 (22.76), 71.57 (38.39), 6.16 (3.29), 13.15 (9.74) and 6.60 (3.26), respectively. These findings suggest that M-5011 is a useful NSAID that shows potent antinociceptive effects with low ulcerogenic activities.

Interleukin-1 beta peptides induce cerebral pial arteriolar dilation in anesthetized newborn pigs

Inflammatory cytokines may affect cerebral circulation under pathological conditions. Responses of cerebral pial arterioles to one such cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and its inhibitor [soluble IL-1 receptor (sIL-1R)] were examined in anesthetized newborn pigs using closed cranial windows. Levels of prostanoids and cyclic nucleotides in periarachnoid cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were measured. To examine the structure-activity relationship of the parent IL-1 beta molecule, two IL-1 beta fragments with amino acid sequences of 187-204 [IL-1 beta-(187-204)] and 208-240 [IL-1 beta-(208-240)] were tested for their effects on pial arterioles. Diameter changes of pial arterioles were sequentially recorded every 5 min for 30 min after topical application of IL-1 peptides. CSF was sampled at the end of the 30 min. IL-1 beta dose dependently induced arteriolar dilation and increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). Intravenous indomethacin blocked the IL-1 beta-induced vasodilation, the increased prostanoids, and the increased cAMP, but not the increased cGMP. Neither heat-inactivated IL-1 beta nor IL-1 beta vehicle affected arteriolar diameter or CSF levels of prostanoids. The sIL-1R blocked the IL-1 beta-induced vasodilation and the increased CSF prostanoids. IL-1 beta-(208-240) also induced pial arteriolar dilation; however, its vasodilatory potency was 1,000 times less than that of the whole IL-1 beta molecule. IL-1 beta-(187-204) did not induce pial arteriolar dilation even when its dose was increased to the level of IL-1 beta-(208-240). These results suggest that IL-1 beta, through the activation of membrane-bound IL-1 beta receptors, induces pial arteriolar dilation via mechanisms that involve prostanoids and cyclic nucleotides. The results also indicate that the 208-240 amino acid sequence of IL-1 beta has a sequence-specific physiological function.

Arachidonic acid metabolism by isolated and cultured middle ear epithelial cells from the chinchilla

Thin-layer chromatography was used to examine the metabolism of arachidonic acid and prostaglandins (PGs) in freshly isolated and cultured middle ear epithelial cells from the chinchilla. The freshly isolated cells converted arachidonic acid predominantly to PGE2, while those cells grown in culture for 10 days acquired the ability to convert arachidonic acid to 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGD2, and PGE2. Incubation of the isolated cells and primary cultures with acetylsalicylic acid and indomethacin inhibited the formation of these PGs. These findings suggest that studies on the factors regulating arachidonic acid metabolism in middle ear epithelium may help to explain the role of eicosanoids in middle ear secretions, particularly in relation to the pathophysiology of otitis media.

Tumor necrosis factor-induced mortality is reversed with cyclooxygenase inhibition

OBJECTIVE

The authors hypothesized that TNF would induce eicosanoid synthesis, and a cyclooxygenase inhibitor would attenuate both eicosanoid synthesis and improve survival in an LD90 TNF-induced (150 ng/kg/i.v./5 min) mortality model.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Tumor necrosis factor is a cardinal mediator in sepsis; however, little is known about its effects on arachidonate metabolism.

METHODS

Conscious male rats with carotid arterial and jugular venous catheters were randomized for mortality: group I, TNF alone (150 kg/i.v./15 min, n = 30); group II, ibuprofen (30 mg/kg/i.v. at t = -20 and +240 min), plus TNF, (n = 28); and for hemodynamics, eicosanoid synthesis, blood gases: group III, TNF alone, (n = 8); group IV, ibuprofen + TNF (n = 8); group V, monoclonal antibody to TNF plus TNF (n = 8). Mortality was determined at 4-72 hr. Other parameters determined over 4 hours (0, 5, 60, 120, 240 min).

RESULTS

TNF stimulated synthesis of (a) TXB2 (71 +/- 30 pg/ml, mean +/- SE at base vs. 117 +/- 18 at 4 hr, p < 0.02); (b) PGE2 (70 +/- 6 pg/ml at base vs. 231 +/- 68 at 4 hr, p < 0.02); (c) 6PGF (52 +/- 6 pg/ml at base vs. 250 +/- 80 at 4 hr, p < 0.02). Ibuprofen significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited eicosanoid synthesis from TNF. TNF-induced mortality (87%, 26/30) was dramatically decreased with ibuprofen (11%, 3/28), at 4, 24, and 72 hr (p < 0.01). Monoclonal antibody to TNF prevented all abnormalities and had 100% survival. Hemodynamic events were similar in both groups, but metabolic acidosis was attenuated with ibuprofen.

CONCLUSIONS

TNF stimulates arachidonic acid metabolism in vivo. A cyclooxygenase inhibitor attenuates eicosanoid synthesis and dramatically improves survival. TNF appears to have different effect on tissues that synthesize certain eicosanoids. Hypotension from TNF is not mediated via the eicosanoids. TNF-induced mortality, like endotoxemia/sepsis may be mediated, in part, via arachidonic acid metabolites. These new findings support the notion that cyclooxygenase inhibitors may be used as adjunctive therapy in clinical sepsis.

Human milk stimulates prostacyclin production by cultured human vascular endothelial cells

Prostacyclin (PGI2) is an antithrombotic and vasodilatory factor, which is produced mainly by the vascular endothelium. Little is known about how this process is regulated. We investigated the effect of human milk on PGI2 synthesis by human vascular endothelial cells by measuring its stable metabolite, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, by RIA. Human milk induced dose- and time-dependent stimulation of PGI2 production, whereas cow's milk was ineffective. The lowest concentration of human milk that stimulated the production of PGI2 was 0.1%, and 10% induced a 2.4- to 3.4-fold increase. The effect of human milk was detectable after 2 h and was blocked by inhibitors of transcription, translation, and cyclooxygenase. Boiling abolished the activity, but acetone extraction enhanced it. A 10% concentration of acetone-extracted human milk stimulated the release of endothelial cell PGI2 by 6.6-fold. In human milk samples we found no correlation between the amount of immunoreactive epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the activity stimulating PGI2 synthesis. Furthermore, EGF antibodies did not inhibit the activity. This is the first demonstration that human milk stimulates PGI2 production by endothelial cells. We conclude that human milk is a potent inducer of PGI2 production by human vascular endothelial cells and that the stimulatory activity is not due to EGF.

Impairment by ethanol of prostaglandin production in rat salivary glands

Sublingual salivary acini and submandibular tissue were incubated in DMEM medium in the presence of various concentrations (0-5%) of ethanol and the content of the three major prostaglandins, PGE2, PGF2 alpha and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, were determined by radioimmunoassay. In In the sublingual gland, ethanol caused a decrease in PGE2 and PGF2 alpha levels, but had no effect on 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, while all three prostaglandins were affected in the submandibular gland. At 2.5% ethanol, the production of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 in sublingual gland decreased by 10% and reached maximum inhibition at 5% ethanol, at which concentration there was a 20 and 30% decrease in their levels. In submandibular gland, 2.5% ethanol caused a 20% decrease in PGE2, 30% in PGF2 alpha and 50% in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha; 40% inhibition in PGE2, 57% in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and 65% in PGF2 alpha occurred in the presence of 5% ethanol. These findings suggest that alcohol impairs the function of salivary glands by inhibiting prostaglandin production.

Reperfusion inhibits elevated splanchnic prostanoid production after hemorrhagic shock

The effect of reperfusion following hemorrhagic shock on splanchnic prostanoid release was studied. Anesthetized male rats were bled to a mean arterial blood pressure of 30 mmHg for 30 minutes and either killed or treated with shed blood for 60 minutes and then killed. The superior mesenteric arterial bed was cannulated and perfused in vitro with oxygenated Krebs. Collected venous effluent (up to 180 minutes) was analyzed for 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (PGI2 metabolite), PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and thromboxane B2 by radioimmunoassay in shock, shock plus reperfusion, and sham groups. The major prostanoid released was 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and was three times higher in the shock group compared to the sham group (p less than 0.05). Reperfusion of shed blood abolished the increase in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha found in the shock group (p less than 0.05). These data show that the attempt of the rat splanchnic bed to compensate for hemorrhagic shock by increasing release of PGI2 (potent vasodilator) was abolished during reperfusion of blood.

Distribution of prostaglandins E2 and 6-keto-F1 alpha production in dog kidneys

Little is known about the distribution of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) production in the canine kidney. To determine the basal and stimulated profiles of PGE2 and PGI2 production along the corticomedullary axis of the dog kidney, a slice (0.5 mm thick, 10-50 mg) was obtained from six equally spaced zones along the axis (zone 1, medullary crest; zones 2 and 3, inner medulla; zone 4, outer medulla; and zones 5 and 6, cortex) and was divided into equal halves. One half of the slice was incubated with Krebs-Ringer buffer containing arachidonic acid (6.6 x 10(-4) M), bradykinin (9.4 x 10(-6) M), or indomethacin (10(-5) M), whereas the remaining half of each slice was similarly incubated in Krebs-Ringer buffer alone. The production of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (the stable metabolite of PGI2) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Under basal conditions, both PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were highest in the innermost zones of the inner medulla (PGE2, 3,328 +/- 549 pg/mg; 6-keto-PGF 1 alpha, 1,611 +/- 129 pg/mg) and decreased exponentially to low levels in the cortex (PGE2, undetectable; 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, 13 +/- 2 pg/mg); this production was inhibited by indomethacin. Arachidonic acid significantly increased the production of PGE2 in all zones of the kidney and the production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha only in zones 3-6.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Is there a role for leukotrienes as mediators of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage?

The role of leukotriene (LT) C4 as a mediator of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage was investigated. Rats were pretreated with a number of compounds, including inhibitors of leukotriene biosynthesis [4-bromo-2,7-dimethoxy-3H-phenothiazin-3-one (L651,392), 3-amino-[m-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-2-pyrazoline hydrochloride (BW755c), and dexamethasone] and agents that have previously been shown to reduce ethanol-induced damage [prostaglandin E2, 2-decarboxy-2-hydroxymethyl-15-deoxy-16RS-hydroxy-16- methyl prostaglandin E1 (Rioprostil), FPL52694] prior to oral administration of absolute ethanol. Ethanol administration resulted in a fourfold increase in LTC4 synthesis. LTC4 synthesis could be reduced significantly by pretreatment with L651,392 or dexamethasone without altering the susceptibility of the gastric mucosa to ethanol-induced damage. LTC4 release from hemorrhagic tissue was not significantly increased above that from samples of nonhemorrhagic tissue from the same stomachs. Furthermore, changes in LTB4 synthesis paralleled the changes in LTC4 synthesis observed after ethanol administration. The effects of ethanol on gastric eicosanoid synthesis were further examined using an ex vivo gastric chamber preparation that allowed for application of ethanol to only one side of the stomach. Such treatment resulted in significant increases in LTC4 synthesis on both sides of the stomach (compared with controls), although the increase on the challenged side was significantly greater than that on the nonchallenged side. These studies, thus, confirm that ethanol can stimulate gastric leukotriene synthesis independent of the production of hemorrhagic damage. Inhibition of LTC4 synthesis does not confer protection to the mucosa, suggesting that LTC4 does not play an important role in the etiology of ethanol-induced gastric damage.

Effect of prostaglandin blockers on ascites fluid in pancreatitis

Prostacyclin (PGI2), a potent vasodilator with complex effects on the mesenteric circulation, has been found to be elevated in the hemorrhagic ascitic fluid of pigs with hemorrhagic pancreatitis. This investigation was designed to determine if blockage of PGI2 significantly reduces the volume and/or toxicity of hemorrhagic ascitic fluid associated with hemorrhagic pancreatitis in pigs. Fifteen pigs were studied: five received corticosteroids, five received ibuprofen, and five were untreated. The relative toxicity of the hemorrhagic ascitic fluid was assessed by intraperitoneal injections of the fluid from pigs into mice.

RESULTS

(1) hemorrhagic pancreatitis was associated with high levels of PGI2 in blood 15 times and in hemorrhagic ascitic fluid 25 times that of baseline; (2) steroids and ibuprofen blocked PGI2 production (p less than 0.05); (3) neither steroids nor ibuprofen, even when administered as pretreatment, decreased ascites formation; and (4) the mortality rate in mice was significantly reduced (p less than 0.05) in the ibuprofen-treated group as compared with the untreated and steroid-treated groups.

CONCLUSION

PGI2 does not play a significant role in the volume of ascites formation. There was an absence of toxicity in the hemorrhagic ascitic fluid of the ibuprofen-treated group.

Cumulative inhibitory effect of low-dose aspirin on vascular prostacyclin and platelet thromboxane production in patients with atherosclerosis

The relationship between the antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects of aspirin is complex, since aspirin influences other systems that protect against thrombosis as well as inhibiting platelet function. We investigated possible cumulative effects of low-dose aspirin on vascular production of prostacyclin in patients with documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Candidates for coronary artery vein graft bypass ingested 20 mg of aspirin daily during the week before surgery, and platelet aggregation, platelet formation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), aortic and saphenous vein production of prostacyclin (PGI2), and hemostatic status were measured at the time of the bypass surgery. Low-dose aspirin markedly inhibited platelet aggregation responses and reduced TXA2 generation by greater than 90%, effects similar to those observed with much higher doses of aspirin. Both aortic and saphenous vein production of PGI2 were inhibited by 50% compared with PGI2 produced by vascular tissues of control subjects who received no aspirin preoperatively (51 +/- 10 pg 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/mg aortic wet weight [mean +/- SEM] in aspirin-treated subjects vs 130 +/- 16 pg/mg in control subjects, and 71 +/- 8 pg/mg saphenous vein wet weight vs 131 +/- 17 pg/mg). Blood loss at surgery was not significantly increased by preoperative low-dose aspirin as measured by chest tube drainage (754 +/- 229 ml in aspirin-treated subjects vs 645 +/- 271 ml in control subjects), hematocrit nadir (31.2 +/- 1.9% vs 31.8 +/- 1.7%), or transfusions (2.2 +/- 1.3 units of red blood cells vs 2.2 +/- 1.7 units).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)