Role of Prostaglandins in Platelet Aggregation and Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is one of the most common form of primary arteriopathy. It progresses insidiously and its damaging effects remain unknown for a long time before symptoms of cerebral, cardiac or peripheral ischemia creates an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand of the tissues, with more or less severe luminal stenosis that may eventually be complicated by the formation of thrombi.

Platelet contact with the endothilial cells dist urbs the integrity of the phospholipid bilayer in the two cells. Phospholipases release arachidon ic Acid which is mainly transformed into Tx A2 in platelets whereas in endothilial cells it is almost exclusively metabolized into prostacyclin.

In view of the findings concerning the role of platelets in atherosclerosis and clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis, it is not surprising that substances that have an effect on platelet function have been used in an attempt to inhibit the development of atherosclerosis.