THE ROLE OF REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES IN THROMBOXANE-B2 GENERATION BY POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 102  (5) , 788-794
Abstract
The relationship between the metabolism of reactive O2 species (ROS) and prostaglandins [PG] in human granulocytes. The effects of several scavengers of ROS on thromboxane B2 (TXB2) production by zymosan-stimulated PMN [polymorphonuclear leukocyte], the capacity of the granulocytes of patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) to produce TXB2, and finally the generation of oxygen radicals in PMN stimulated to produce TXB2 by the enzyme phospholipase were examined. Both zymosan- and PMA[phorbol myristate acetate]-stimulated PMN release increased amounts of TXB2. This enhanced production of TXB2 by normal PMN could not be impaired and, in fact, appeared to be enhanced by scavengers of ROS. The PMN of one patient with CGD produced TXB2 in an amount similar to those of healthy persons; the TXB2 produced by the PMN of a 2nd patient was markedly increased. Finally, the enzyme phospholipase A2 stimulated TXB2 production in PMN without stimulating the production of ROS. The activation of PG metabolism in PMN is not dependent on the simultaneous production of ROS by these cells. However, the simultaneous production of ROS may be associated with an alteration of PG metabolism.