Formation of an Intermediate in Prostaglandin Biosynthesis and Its Association with the Platelet Release Reaction

J. B. Smith; Carol Ingerman; J. J. Kocsis; M. J. Silver

doi:10.1172/JCI107695

Published May 1, 1974 - More info

View PDF

Abstract

A compound that could be converted to prostaglandin F_2α by mild chemical reduction was formed by human platelets in response to arachidonic acid, collagen, or L-epinephrine. It was present in maximal amounts at about 1 min after addition of arachidonic acid or collagen to platelet-rich plasma. Its initial formation appeared to precede platelet aggregation by these agents and was closely correlated with the release of adenine nucleotides and radioactive 5-hydroxytryptamine from platelets. Moreover, the compound was itself found outside the platelets. This compound is probably an endoperoxide intermediate in prostaglandin biosynthesis and may be a trigger for the platelet release reaction.