Prostaglandins and Platelets

Release of arachidonate from cell membrane phospholipids by activation of phospholipase A1 is a key step in the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. In platelets PGH2 and TXA2 are formed from arachidonate and can cause aggregation and the release of granule contents; in vascular tissue, PGI2 is formed instead and, by increasing platelet cAMP, inhibits platelet reactions. There is considerable interest in inhibitors of the enzymes in …