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. 1977 Feb;59(2):353–366. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1977.tb07500.x

The distribution and metabolism of arachidonic acid in rabbit platelets during aggregation and its modification by drugs.

G J Blackwell, W G Duncombe, R J Flower, M F Parsons, J R Vane
PMCID: PMC1667739  PMID: 837023

Abstract

1 Gas chromatographic and radio-isotope labelling techniques have been used to establish the origin of the arachindonic acid used by the platelet cyclo-oxygenase for the synthesis of pro-aggregatory prostaglandin endoperoxide derivatives. 2 Measurements of total platelet arachidonate content indicated that more than 95% is esterified in the phosphatide fraction of the cells. 3 During aggregation by collagen or thrombin as much as 80% of the total platelet arachidonate may be liberated and transformed by the platelet enzymes into hydroxyacids and other more polar compounds. 4 The phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol fractions are major sources of the arachidonate thus used. 5 Indomethacin, which prevents platelet aggregation by inhibiting the cyclo-oxygenase, did not affect this release of arachidonate from the phosphatides but did prevent the transformation of arachidonate to endoperoxide derivatives. 6 Mepacrine, a drug which possesses weak anti-phospholipase activity in platelets, also prevents aggregation by collagen or thrombin, but seems to do so by preventing substrate release from the phosphatide fraction. 7 It is suggested that phospholipase A2 plays a key role in the initial events during platelet aggregation induced by collagen.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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