COX Inhibitors and Thromboregulation

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Prostacyclin inhibits platelets and dilates blood vessels, whereas thromboxane A2 activates platelets and constricts vessels. In mice lacking receptors for prostacyclin, intimal injury provokes a severe reaction within the artery, whereas in mice lacking thromboxane A2 receptors the response is subdued. These findings are relevant to clinical concerns that cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, which specifically impair the formation of prostacyclin, may increase susceptibility to cardiovascular events. Aspirin, which inhibits both prostacyclin and thromboxane A2, protects against arterial thrombosis.