The Influence of Age, Sex, and the Use of Oral Contraceptives on the Inhibitory Effects of Endothelial Cells and PGI2 (Prostacyclin) on Platelet Function

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Abstract
The inhibitory effects of human endothelial cells (ECM) and PGI2 on platelet function were examined in 60 healthy subjects. Five groups were studied: 10 women (19-33 yr), 10 women (21-31 yr) using combined oral contraceptives, 10 postmenopausal women (45-66 yr), 20 men (24-48 yr) and 10 men (48-71 yr). Spontaneous platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was commonly observed in groups II, III and V. This was prevented when PRP was incubated with ECM, aspirin (ASA), or PGI2. ADP-induced platelet aggregation (PA) was always reduced by ECM, but significantly less in groups II and III. Collagen-induced PA was inhibited by ECM, but less in groups I, II, III and V than in young men (IV). ECM significantly reduced collagen-induced prostaglandin (MDA) production in platelets. The inhibitory effect was significantly reduced in groups II and III. Platelet factor 3 activity, measured after exposure of PRP to ADP, was significantly reduced by ECM, but was significantly less in groups II, III and V than in group I. Less of an inhibitory effect of PGI2 upon ADP-induced PA was shown by all groups of females than by the 2 groups of males.