Elsevier

Thrombosis Research

Volume 11, Issue 3, September 1977, Pages 323-344
Thrombosis Research

Differential formation of prostacyclin (PGX or PGI2) by layers of the arterial wall. An explanation for the anti-thrombotic properties of vascular endothelium

https://doi.org/10.1016/0049-3848(77)90185-2Get rights and content

Abstract

Different layers of rabbit aorta were separated and classified by microscopic examination into intima, internal elastic lamina, media and adventitia. The ability of each layer to produce prostacyclin (PGI2), a potent endogenous inhibitor of platelet aggregation was investigated. The effect of adding the different layers to platelet rich plasma was studied and correlated with the synthetic capacity to form prostacyclin. Observations were also made after inhibiting prostacyclin formation with 15-hydroperoxy arachidonic acid (15-HPAA). The ability of the arterial wall to generate prostacyclin is highest in the intimal surface and progressively decreases to the adventitial surface. The pro-aggregatory activity of the different layers increased from the internal elastic lamina to the adventitia. These observations may explain the long known anti-thrombotic properties of vascular endothelium and help in the detailed elucidation of the mechanism of formation of intravascular thrombi and haemostatic plugs.

References (54)

  • A.I. Fleischman et al.

    The effect of aspirin on in vivo platelet function in humans

    Thromb. Res.

    (1976)
  • J.E. French

    The fine structure of experimental thrombi

  • J.E. French et al.

    The structure of haemostatic plugs and experimental thrombi in small arteries

    Br. J. exp. Pathol.

    (1964)
  • J.F. Mustard et al.

    Role of platelets in thrombosis

    Thromb. Diath. haemorrh. Suppl.

    (1966)
  • A. Studer

    Experimental platelet thrombus

    Thromb. Diath. haemorrh. Suppl.

    (1966)
  • T.H. Spaet et al.

    Vascular endothelial damage and thrombosis

    Adv. Cardiol.

    (1970)
  • T.H. Spaet et al.

    Vascular endothelium and thrombogenesis

  • M.B. Stemerman et al.

    The subendothelium and thrombogenesis

    Bull. N.Y. Acad. Med.

    (1972)
  • B.A. Warren et al.

    The ultrastructure of initial stages of platelet aggregation and adhesion to damaged vessel walls in vivo

    Br. J. exp. Pathol.

    (1970)
  • T.P. Ashford et al.

    The role of the endothelium in the initial phases of thrombosis

    Am. J. Pathol.

    (1967)
  • S.A. Johnson

    Platelets in hemostasis and thrombosis

  • H.R. Baumgartner

    Platelet interaction with vascular structures

    Thromb. Diath. haemorrh. Suppl.

    (1971)
  • T.P. Ashford et al.

    Platelet aggregation at site of minimal endothelial injury

  • W.E. Stehbens et al.

    The ultrastructure of early platelet aggregation in vivo

    Am. J. Pathol.

    (1967)
  • B.L. Sheppard et al.

    Platelet adhesion in the rabbit abdominal aorta following the removal of the endothelium: a scanning and transmission electron microscopical study

  • T.H. Spaet et al.

    The vascular wall in the pathogenesis of thrombosis

    Thromb. Diath. haemorrh. Suppl.

    (1966)
  • J.R. O'Brien

    The adhesiveness of native platelets and its prevention

    J. Clin. Pathol.

    (1961)
  • Cited by (550)

    • Fatty acid mediators and the inflammasome

      2020, Lipid Signaling and Metabolism
    • Synopsis of arachidonic acid metabolism: A review

      2018, Journal of Advanced Research
    • The paracrine control of vascular motion. A historical perspective

      2016, Pharmacological Research
      Citation Excerpt :

      Especially relevant for the topic of the present review is that this paper also put forward the notion of a paracrine control of the tone of the vessel wall: “The fact that PGX is locally generated in the arterial wall and can relax smooth muscle also suggests that it plays a part in the local control of vascular tone”. Shortly after this publication, the differential formation of prostacyclin by the different layers of the vessel wall was reported by this group [26] showing this is highest in the endothelial layer, thus providing the endothelium for the first time a leading role in the local control of vascular tone (Fig. 1). Still, and maybe confounded by the fact the media and adventitia also released some prostacyclin [26], the notion of an endothelially-centered control of vascular tone, could not be established.

    View all citing articles on Scopus

    Present address: Dept. of Pharmacology, Universitaire Instelling Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.

    View full text