Abstract
The contributions of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) to the effects of acute pulmonary embolism were evaluated in 18 open-chest rabbits. All rabbits received autologous whole-blood-clot embolus (.4 cc) by way of a catheter in the right ventricle. Pulmonary artery (PA) and left atrial (LA) pressures, and aortic flow (AOQ) were recorded. The stable metabolites of TXA2 (TXB2) and PGI2 (6-Keto PGF1 ) were assayed by radioimmunoassay at pre- and postembolization periods (+5, +10, +20, +30, and +40 minutes). Significant elevations of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (normalized), PA pressure, and reduction of AOQ were noted comparing pre-embolus to +5 minute time intervals.A negative correlation was reached between PGI2 and AOQ at +40 minutes (p <.05). Five of the 13 rabbits died prematurely. At +5 minutes these 5 rabbits had higher PVR (p < 001) and lower AOQ (p (.01) than their living counterparts. At +10 minutes AOQ was still significantly lower (p < 005) and TXB2 was higher (p < 05) in the premature death group. We conclude that TXB2 is significantly but transiently elevated early following acute pulmonary embolism and may contribute to mortality. In contrast PGI2 does not appear to play an immediate role in the hemodynamic events following embolization but does rise to significant levels later in the course possibly in an attempt to compensate for reduced flow.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-10 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Medicine |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1983 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Endocrinology