Inhibition of platelet thromboxane formation and phosphoinositides breakdown by osthole from Angelica pubescens

Osthole, isolated from Chinese herb Angelica pubescens, inhibited platelet aggregation and ATP release induced by ADP, arachidonic acid, PAF, collagen, ionophore A23187 and thrombin in washed rabbit platelets. It showed a weak activity in platelet-rich plasma. Osthole inhibited the thromboxane B2 formation caused by arachidonic acid, collagen, ionophore A23187 and thrombin in washed platelets, and also the thromboxane B2 formation caused by the incubation of lysed platelet homogenate with arachidonic acid. The generation of inositol phosphates in washed platelets caused by collagen, PAF and thrombin was suppressed by osthole. These data indicate that the inhibitory effect of osthole on platelet aggregation and release reaction was due to the inhibition of thromboxane formation and phosphoinositides breakdown.     

Effects of latamoxef on in vitro and ex vivo thromboxane A2 generation in human platelets

Although beta-lactam antibiotics cause similar platelet abnormalities in vitro and in vivo, it is still unclear whether the mechanism(s) leading to the defects in both conditions are the same. The present work compared in vitro and ex vivo effects of latamoxef (LMOX) on aggregation and thromboxane (TX)A2 generation, determined as TXB2 generation. In the in vitro systems, LMOX interfered with both responses induced with all agonists tested (ADP, collagen and thrombin). Furthermore, although LMOX did not suppress arachidonic acid (AA)-induced TXB2 generation, it significantly suppressed the aggregation. In ex vivo systems performed with four healthy subjects, LMOX administration clearly suppressed the ADP-induced responses, but not the responses induced with the other agonists or AA. These differences observed in vitro and ex vivo are discussed from the viewpoint of different action mechanisms of LMOX under the two conditions.     

Inhibition of platelet aggregation by some flavonoids.

The inhibitory effects of five flavonoids on the aggregation and secretion of platelets were studied. These flavonoids inhibited markedly platelet aggregation and ATP release of rabbit platelets induced by arachidonic acid or collagen, and slightly those by platelet-activating factor. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was also suppressed by myricetin, fisetin and quercetin. The IC50 on arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation was: fisetin, 22 microM; kaempferol, 20 microM; quercetin, 13 microM; morin, 150 microM less than IC50 less than 300 microM. The thromboxane B2 formations were also inhibited by flavonoids in platelets challenged with arachidonic acid. Fisetin, kaempferol, morin and quercetin antagonized the aggregation of washed platelets induced by U46619, a thromboxane A2/prostaglandin endoperoxides mimetic receptor agonist. In human platelet-rich plasma, quercetin prevented the secondary aggregation and blocked ATP release from platelets induced by epinephrine or ADP. These results demonstrate that the major antiplatelet effect of flavonoids tested may be due to both the inhibition of thromboxane formation and thromboxane receptor antagonism.     

Antiplatelet effects of protopine isolated from Corydalis tubers

Protopine inhibited the aggregation and ATP release of rabbit platelets induced by ADP, arachidonic acid, PAF, collagen and ionophore A23187. Although the platelet aggregation caused by thrombin was not inhibited by protopine (100 micrograms/ml), the release reaction was partially suppressed. In rabbit platelet-rich plasma, protopine also inhibited the platelet aggregation caused by ADP, arachidonic acid, PAF and collagen. The thromboxane B2 formation of washed platelets caused by arachidonic acid, collagen, ionophore A23187 and thrombin was suppressed by protopine. Protopine inhibited the intracellular calcium increase caused by arachidonic acid in quin-2/AM loaded rabbit platelets. In the presence of indomethacin, the intracellular calcium increase caused by collagen and PAF was completely suppressed by protopine, and the intracellular calcium increase caused by thrombin was partially inhibited. The phosphoinositides breakdown caused by collagen and PAF was inhibited by protopine, but that by thrombin was not affected significantly. Protopine did not cause the elevation of cyclic AMP level of platelets. It is concluded that the antiplatelet effects of protopine is due to inhibition on thromboxane formation and phosphoinositides breakdown and then lead to the decrease of intracellular calcium concentration.     

HA-29: an inhibitor of thromboxane A2 formation with antagonism of thromboxane A2/prostaglandin endoperoxide receptor in rabbit platelets.

HA-29, 2-[(3-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazol-6(1H)-one, was investigated for its inhibitory mechanism of action in washed rabbit platelets. This compound inhibited the aggregation and ATP release of rabbit platelets induced by arachidonic acid and collagen in a concentration-dependent manner, without affecting those induced by ADP, PAF and thrombin. Prolongation of the incubation time of HA-29 with platelets did not cause further inhibition and the aggregability of the agent-treated platelets could be restored after washing of platelets. The concentration-response curve of U-46619-induced platelet aggregation was shifted to the right by HA-29 in a concentration-dependent manner, but the maximal aggregation was suppressed by HA-29. The pA2 and pA10 values of HA-29 on U-46619-induced platelet aggregation were 4.26 and 3.58, respectively, with a slope value of -1.4. The U-46619-induced aggregation was markedly disaggregated by HA-29 even it was added 5 min after U-46619. HA-29 inhibited the secondary aggregation and ATP release, but not the primary aggregation of human platelet-rich plasma induced by ADP and epinephrine. Thromboxane B2 formation caused by arachidonic acid, collagen and thrombin was markedly suppressed by HA-29. HA-29 also inhibited the formation of prostaglandin D2 caused by arachidonic acid. HA-29 inhibited almost completely the formation of inositol monophosphate caused by U-46619, but not that by collagen or thrombin. HA-29 did not affect U-46619-induced contraction of rat aorta. It is concluded that the antiplatelet effect of HA-29 is due to the inhibition of thromboxane A2 formation and blockade of thromboxane A2/prostaglandin endoperoxide receptor.     

Antiplatelet actions of some coumarin compounds isolated from plant sources.

Xanthyletin, xanthoxyletin, suberosin (all from Citrus grandis), aurapten (from Severinia huxifolia) and poncitrin (from Poncirus trifoliata) were isolated and their chemical structures were characterized to be coumarin compounds. All these coumarin compounds except xanthyletin inhibited the aggregation and ATP release of rabbit platelets induced by arachidonic acid, collagen, ADP, platelet-activating factor (PAF) or U46619 (a thromboxane A2 analog). Thrombin-induced ATP release, but not the aggregation, was also inhibited by these compounds. Xanthyletin inhibited only platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid and collagen, while poncitrin inhibited that caused by PAF more markedly than other coumarin compounds. The thromboxane B2 formation in washed platelets caused by arachidonic acid and collagen was suppressed by these coumarin compounds. The phosphoinositide breakdown caused by collagen and PAF was also inhibited by these compounds. They did not affect fibrinogen-induced aggregation of elastase-treated platelets. These antiplatelet actions were immediate, reversible by washout and independent on the incubation time (except suberosin). Antiaggregating effect was also studied by an electrical impedance method and the inhibitory effect of coumarin compounds on the whole blood and platelet-rich plasma was much less than that of platelet suspension in the aggregation induced by collagen, PAF and ADP. It is concluded that the antiplatelet actions of these coumarin compounds are due to the inhibition on thromboxane A2 formation and phosphoinositides breakdown.     

In vitro effects of vincristine on arachidonic acid metabolism in human platelets and rat arterial tissue

We have demonstrated that in vitro addition of vincristine to human platelets: 1) inhibits aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, epinephrine, collagen, thrombin and ADP; 2) inhibits arachidonic acid conversion to thromboxane A₂; and 3) inhibits generation of thromboxane A₂ upon stimulation by mechanical agitation, collagen, or thrombin. It is suggested that the inhibitory effect of vincristine on platelet aggregation is due to the inhibition of thromboxane A₂ production. Vincristine has no demonstrable effect on the release of prostacyclin from normal rat aorta.     

The anti-aggregation effects of ondansetron on platelets involve IP3 signaling and MAP kinase pathway, but not 5-HT3-dependent pathway

Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with potent antiemetic, analgesic, and antiphlogistic effects. Literature concerning 5-HT3 antagonists on platelets is limited. In this report we examined the pharmacological effects of ondansetron on human washed platelets. Platelet aggregation induced by thrombin (0.1 U/mL), collagen (2 μg/mL), arachidonic acid (0.5 mM), ADP (10 μM), or U46619 (2 μM) was observed. The effects of ondansetron on platelet aggregation and ATP release were investigated at different concentrations. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ influx concentration, TXB2, IP3, and the levels of cAMP and cGMP were monitored, and flow cytometric analysis and immunoblotting were performed to investigate downstream signaling components. Our results showed that ondansetron, in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited agonist-induced platelet aggregation. At 75 μM, ondansetron significantly attenuated intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization, thromboxane B2 formation, and ATP release by human washed platelets activated by thrombin, collagen, or U46619, whereas it only partially attenuated arachidonic acid-driven platelet activation. Administration of ondansetron resulted in attenuated IP3 production in the washed platelets stimulated by thrombin, as determined by reduced IP1 levels, as well as diminished p38 and ERK2 phosphorylation in response to thrombin. No effect of ondansetron on the levels of either cAMP or cGMP in washed platelets was observed. Furthermore, ondansetron-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation was not impacted by SR 57227A, the 5-HT3 agonist. Thus, rather than involving the 5-HT3-dependent pathway, the negative effect of ondansetron on platelet aggregation is instead manifested through the attenuation of agonist-induced IP3 production and MAPK (p38 and ERK2) phosphorylation that results in suppressed intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization, TXB2 formation, and ATP release.     

Inhibition of thrombin- and collagen-induced phosphoinositides breakdown in rabbit platelets by a PAF antagonist--denudatin B, an isomer of kadsurenone

Denudatin B, an isomer of kadsurenone, was isolated from Magnolia fargesii. It inhibited the aggregation and ATP release of washed rabbit platelets caused by platelet-activating factor (PAF) in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 on PAF (2 ng/ml)-induced aggregation was about 10 micrograms/ml. High concentration of denudatin B (greater than 50 micrograms/ml) also inhibited the aggregation and ATP release of platelets caused by ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid and thrombin. However, shape change of platelets still existed. Prolongation of the incubation time with platelets could not cause further inhibition, and the aggregability of platelets could be restored after denudatin B was washed out from platelets. Thrombin-induced thromboxane B2 formation was almost completely suppressed. In the absence of extracellular calcium (EGTA 1 mM), ATP release caused by thrombin was inhibited. Thrombin-induced rise of the intracellular calcium concentration was suppressed by denudatin B, but not by BN52021 or kadsurenone. The generation of inositol phosphate in washed platelets caused by collagen, PAF and thrombin was also suppressed. The data indicate that PAF antagonist denudatin B has nonspecific antiplatelet action at high concentration by inhibiting phosphoinositides breakdown induced by collagen and thrombin.     

Influence of granulocyte elastase-like proteinase (ELP) on platelet functions

The influence of granulocyte elastase-like proteinase (ELP) on platelet functions was investigated. ELP inhibited the platelet aggregations induced by a wide variety of agonists. The inhibition was marked in the case of receptor-mediated agonists such as thrombin, ristocetin, etc. It was moderate with the pervading agonist, arachidonic acid, and mild with the bypassing agonist, Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187. ELP inhibited the release of thromboxane A2 from platelets in the case of the platelet aggregation induced by thrombin. On the other hand, ELP did not inhibit the release of thromboxane A2 from platelets in the platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid or Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187. ELP suppressed the release of serotonin from platelets induced by thrombin, while it did not markedly suppress the release of serotonin induced by Ca²⁺-ionophore A23187. Treatment of platelets with ELP resulted in a slight increase of intraplatelet cAMP levels. These results suggest that ELP acts on receptors and inhibits platelet functions. As a results, ELP markedly inhibits the platelet functions such as aggregation or release of serotonin or thromboxane A2 stimulated by receptor-mediated agonists. ELP slightly elevates the CAMP level in the platelets, resulting in the mild inhibition of the platelet functions stimulated by the pervading agonist, arachidonic acid, or the bypassing agonist, Ca²⁺-ionophore A23187.     

Inhibitory effect of hexapeptide (RGRHGD) on platelet aggregation

The B chain of beta-bungarotoxin 1-6 sequence, RGRHGD, presents the highest local average hydrophilicity measured by Kyte and Doolittle modeling analysis. The RGRHGD holds parts of both RGD and KGD peptides, which have been reported as having high binding affinity to GPIIb-IIIa. The present study evaluates whether the synthesized hexapeptide, RGRHGD, has an antiplatelet effect and further elucidates the possible mechanisms of action. RGRHGD dose-dependently inhibited rabbit platelet aggregation and adenosine triphosphate release induced by arachidonic acid, collagen, platelet-activating factor, thrombin, or U46619 with the IC50 range of 82.7 to 510 microg/mL. The platelet thromboxane B2 formation induced by collagen or thrombin was also significantly decreased by RGRHGD, but there was no effect on arachidonic acid-induced thromboxane B2 formation. In addition, RGRHGD also inhibited the rise of intracellular calcium level stimulated by arachidonic acid, collagen, or thrombin in Fura 2-AM-loaded platelets. The adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate level of washed platelets was not affected by RGRHGD. In conclusion, these data indicate that the inhibitory effect of RGRHGD on platelet aggregation may be due to the attenuation of thromboxane A2 formation and intracellular calcium mobilization. In addition, this study may provide a useful method of finding potential therapeutic agents by using molecular modeling analysis.     

Inhibitory mechanisms of dantrolene on platelet aggregation

The antiplatelet effect of dantrolene and possible inhibitory mechanisms were studied in rabbit platelets. Preincubation of rabbit washed platelets with dantrolene (50-300 microM) inhibited the platelet aggregation and adenosine triphosphate release induced by arachidonic acid (100 microM), collagen (10 microg/mL), or thrombin (0.1 U/mL) in a dose-dependent manner. The thromboxane B2 formation caused by collagen or thrombin was inhibited by dantrolene, while formation of thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin D2 induced by arachidonic acid were not inhibited. In addition, the formation of phosphoinositide breakdown and the rise of intracellular calcium level induced by collagen or thrombin were also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by dantrolene in the presence of indomethacin (2 microM). However, the platelets cyclic AMP level was not affected by dantrolene. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that dantrolene inhibits platelet activation mainly due to suppression of phosphoinositide breakdown.     

Investigation on a selective non-prostanoic thromboxane antagonist, BM 13.177, in human platelets

The mode of action of BM 13.177 (4-[2-(benzenesulfonamido)-ethyl] phenoxyacetic acid), a new anti-aggregating and anti-thrombotic agent, was studied in human washed platelets and citrated PRP. With ASA-treated platelets, BM 13.177 (0.1 - 100 microM) did not inhibit the shape change and the aggregation induced by ADP, serotonin, adrenaline, thrombin, or collagen. Therefore, BM 13.177 is neither an antagonist of ADP, serotonin, adrenaline, thrombin, or collagen nor a common pathway inhibitor like PGE1, or an inhibitor of the platelet interactions during aggregation. However, BM 13.177 (greater than or equal to 0.1 microM) produced a dose-dependent reduction of shape change, aggregation and release of [3H]serotonin induced by the stable PGH2 analogues U 46619 and U 44069 in ASA-treated platelets or ASA-treated citrated PRP. In untreated platelets, BM 13.177 inhibited platelet activation by U 46619 or U 44069 and by exogenous arachidonic acid or by endogenous arachidonic acid mobilized by hydrogen peroxide. Consequently, the ADP- and adrenaline-induced secondary aggregation and [3H]serotonin release in citrated PRP and the major effects of collagen were also inhibited. In washed platelets treated with 10 microM arachidonic acid or 100 microM hydrogen peroxide, the formation of TXB2 was not inhibited by 10 microM BM 13.177. However, the TXB2 formation after stimulation with 1,200 microM hydrogen peroxide was partially reduced by BM 13.177 to the same extent as by PGE1. This reduction may be due to the absence of a secondary release of arachidonic acid from phospholipids if the platelets were prevented from activation by BM 13.177 or PGE1. Arachidonic acid and hydrogen peroxide also induced the shape change, aggregation and release of washed platelets when thromboxane formation was inhibited by dazoxiben. Under these conditions, BM 13.177 was able to abolish the platelet response which was due to accumulating prostaglandin endoperoxides. These results show that BM 13.177 acts as a selective antagonist of TXA2 and prostaglandin endoperoxides. Its inhibitory effect on platelet function does not depend on an inhibition of either the primary release of arachidonic acid or the activities of cyclooxygenase or thromboxane synthetase.     

Inhibition of rabbit platelet aggregation by 1,4-naphthoquinones

The effects of four 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives on the aggregation of rabbit platelets were examined. All the four 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives inhibited the platelet aggregation of washed rabbit platelets induced by thrombin (0.1 U/ml) and the IC50 is: 2-chloro-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (CMN), 5 micrograms/ml; 3-methyl-5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, 13 micrograms/ml; 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, 18 micrograms/ml; 3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (vitamin K3), 53 micrograms/ml. CMN was the most potent in inhibiting the aggregation and release reaction induced by ADP, arachidonic acid, PAF, ionophore A23187, collagen and thrombin in a dose-dependent manner in washed platelets, platelet-rich-plasma and whole blood. The thromboxane B2 formation caused by collagen and ionophore A23187 was inhibited by CMN. However, the thromboxane B2 formation by arachidonic acid was markedly increased. The platelet inhibitory effect of CMN could not be antagonized either by raising the concentrations of extracellular Ca++ or by wash out. The phosphoinositides breakdown induced by thrombin was inhibited by CMN. Phospholipids (PE, PC, PI) could slightly antagonize the antiplatelet effect of CMN. It is concluded that the inhibitory effect of CMN on rabbit platelet aggregation may be due to the inhibition of phosphoinositides breakdown caused by the inducers.     

The effects of the oral administration of fish oil concentrate on the release and the metabolism of [14C]arachidonic acid and [14C]eicosapentaenoic acid by human platelets

It has been suggested by several investigators that eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 omega 3, EPA) might have anti-thrombotic effects. In this experiment, the effect of the oral administration of EPA rich fish oil concentrate on platelet aggregation and the release and the metabolism of [1-14C]arachidonic acid and [(U)-14C]eicosapentaenoic acid by human platelets was studied. Eight healthy male subjects ingested 18 capsules of fish oil concentrate (EPA 1.4 g) per day for 4 weeks. Plasma and platelet concentrations of EPA markedly increased, while those of arachidonic acid (C20:4 omega 6, AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 omega 3, DHA) did not change. Platelet aggregation induced by collagen and ADP was reduced. Collagen induced [14C]thromboxane B2 (TXB2) formation from [14C]AA prelabeled platelets decreased. There was no detectable formation of [14C]TXB3 from [14C]EPA prelabeled platelets, and the conversion of exogenous [14C]EPA to [14C]TXB3 was lower than that of [14C]AA to [14C]TXB2. The release of [14C]AA from [14C]AA prelabeled platelets by collagen was significantly decreased. These observations raise the possibility that the release of arachidonic acid from platelet lipids might be affected by the alteration of EPA content in platelets.     

Two antiplatelet agents from Magnolia officinalis

Magnolol and honokiol are two position isomers isolated from the bark of Magnolia officinalis. Both inhibited the aggregation and ATP release of rabbit platelet-rich plasma induced by collagen and arachidonic acid without affecting that induced by ADP, PAF or thrombin. Aggregation of washed platelets was more markedly inhibited than that of platelet-rich plasma, while the aggregation of whole blood was least affected by both inhibitors. Thromboxane B2 formation caused by collagen, arachidonic acid or thrombin was in each case inhibited by magnolol and honokiol. The rise of intracellular calcium caused by arachidonic acid or collagen was also suppressed by both agents. Collagen-induced intracellular calcium increase in the presence of indomethacin was suppressed by magnolol. It is concluded that the antiplatelet effect of magnolol and honokiol is due to an inhibitory effect on thromboxane formation and also an inhibition of intracellular calcium mobilization.     

In vitro effects of acetaminophen and its analogues on human platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 synthesis

We examined the effect of acetaminophen and the structural analogues 2,6-dimethylacetaminophen, 3,5-dimethylacetaminophen, and N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine on human platelet aggregation, 14C-serotonin secretion, and thromboxane B2 synthesis. Preincubation with 1 mM acetaminophen for 2 min completely inhibited arachidonic acid- and collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. Thromboxane B2 production and 14C-serotonin secretion by arachidonic acid-stimulated platelets also were completely inhibited. Preincubation of platelets with 1 mM 3,5-dimethylacetaminophen inhibited collagen and arachidonic acid-induced aggregation and arachidonic acid-stimulated thromboxane B2 synthesis, while treatment with 2,6-dimethylacetaminophen did not inhibit aggregation and blocked thromboxane B2 formation to a much lesser degree. Preincubation with 1 mM N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine inhibited arachidonic acid-induced aggregation and 14C-serotonin secretion but had no effect on arachidonic acid-induced thromboxane B2 formation and collagen-induced platelet aggregation.     

Effect of cobra venom phospholipase A2 on platelet aggregation in comparison with those produced by arachidonic acid and lysophophatidylcholine

Cobra venom phospholipase A₂ induced a biphasic effect on washed rabbit platelets. The first phase was a reversible aggregation which was dependent on stirring and extracellular calcium. The aggregation and thromboxane B₂ formation were inhibited by indomethacin, mepacrine, tetracaine and imipramine, while PGE₁ and sodium nitroprusside inhibited only the aggregation, but not the thromboxane B₂ formation. The second phase was an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, PAF, ADP or collagen but not that by thrombin or ionophore A23187. The longer the incubation time of cobra venom phospholipase A₂ with platelets, the more the inhibitory effect. The aggregating and anti-aggregating effects could be overcome by bovine serum albumin. Lysophosphatidylcholine (Lyso-PC) and arachidonic acid showed synergistic inhibition in platelet aggregation. Lyso-PC decreased thromboxane B₂ formation in platelets formed by collagen. The inhibitory effect of Lyso-PC on platelet aggregation was more marked at lower calcium concentrations. It is concluded that the aggregating effect of exogenous addition of venom phospholipase A₂ is due to thromboxane formation and the antiplatelet effect is similar to those produced by arachidonic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine.     

Studies on the mechanism of antiaggregatory effect of Moutan Cortex

The effects of Moutan Cortex and one of its major components, paeonol, on platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism in human platelets were studied. One week oral administration of water extract of Moutan Cortex [Moutan Cortex (w), 3 g/day] significantly reduced platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) formation induced by collagen, epinephrine and ADP. Paeonol dose-dependently inhibited ADP and collagen induced platelet aggregation in vitro. Moutan Cortex (w) and paeonol dose-dependently inhibited the conversion of exogenous [14C]AA to [14C]heptadecatetraenoic acid [( 14C]HHT) and [14C]TXB2 by washed human platelets, while both of them increased its conversion to [14C]12-hydroxy eicosatetraenoic acid [( 14C]12-HETE). High dose of Moutan Cortex (w) inhibited the release of [14C]AA from prelabeled platelets in vitro, while paeonol did not. These results suggest that a reduction in platelet aggregation by the oral administration of Moutan Cortex might be ascribed to a decrease in thromboxane synthesis and that paeonol might play an important role in the antiaggregatory effect of Moutan Cortex because of its potent inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and thromboxane formation.     

Evidence for a role for phospholipase C, but not phospholipase A2, in platelet activation in response to low concentrations of collagen

The release of arachidonic acid is a key component in platelet activation in response to low concentrations (1-20 microg/ml) of collagen. The precise mechanism remains elusive although a variety of pathways have been implicated. In the present study the effects of inhibitors of several potentially key enzymes in these pathways have been examined. Collagen 1-10 microg/ml) caused maximal platelet aggregation which was accompanied by the release of arachidonic acid, the synthesis of thromboxane A2, and p38MAPK phosphorylation. Preincubation with the dual cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase inhibitor BW755C inhibited aggregation and thromboxane production, and reduced p38MAPK phosphorylation. A phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122, blocked collagen-induced aggregation and reduced arachidonic acid release, thromboxane synthesis and p38MAPK phosphorylation. Pretreatment with a cytosolic phospholipase A2 inhibitor, AACOCF3, blocked collagen-induced aggregation, reduced the levels of thromboxane formation and p38MAPK phosphorylation but had no significant effect on arachidonic acid release. In contrast inhibition of PKC by Ro31-8220 inhibited collagen-induced aggregation. did not affect p38MAPK phosphorylation but significantly potentiated arachidonic acid release and thromboxane formation. Collagen caused the tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase Cgamma2 which was inhibited by pretreatment with U73122, unaffected by AACOCF3 and enhanced by Ro31-8220. These results suggest that cytosolic phospholipase A2 plays no role in the arachidonic acid release in response to collagen. In contrast, the data are consistent with phospholipase Cgamma2 playing a role in an intricately controlled pathway, or multiple pathways, mediating the release of arachidonic acid in collagen-stimulated platelets.