ARACHIDONIC ACID METABOLISM IN NICOTINE-TREATED RATS AND NICOTINE-INCUBATED RABBIT AORTIC SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

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Abstract
1. The changes in plasma levels of thromboxane-B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) were examined in rats given 5, 25, 50 or 100 micrograms/mL nicotine in drinking water for 10 days. 2. The effect of nicotine on prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis from endogenous arachidonic acid by cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells was also studied. 3. Plasma levels of TXB2 were increased dose-dependently by treatment for 10 day with nicotine. 4. 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha values were lowered dose-dependently, both in the plasma of nicotine-treated rats and in rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells incubated with the alkaloid. 5. The results suggest that endogenous synthesis of thromboxane-A2 and PGI2, as reflected by TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels, respectively, is influenced by nicotine treatment. These findings may be related to cardiovascular diseases associated with cigarette smoking, but further studies are needed.