Studies of aggregation and thromboxane B2 synthesis in avian thrombocytes: comparison between atherosclerosis-susceptible and resistant breeds.
Comparison of thrombocyte aggregation in response to arachidonic acid and synthesis of prostaglandins from C14-arachidonic acid by thrombocytes was made between atherosclerosis-susceptible White Carneau and atherosclerosis-resistant Show Racer Pigeons. Contrary to the expectations, thrombocytes from atherosclerosis-susceptible pigeons were a) less sensitive to arachidonic acid induced aggregation and b) synthesized less thromboxane B2 (stable product of proaggregatory thromboxane A2) from C14-arachidonic acid. Analysis of fatty acid composition of thrombocyte phospholipids indicated a higher concentration of arachidonic acid in White Carneau Pigeons. These results suggest that thrombocytes from atherosclerosis-susceptible pigeons are altered early and as a defense mechanism display less responsiveness towards aggregation.
D000818:Animals; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000662:veterinary; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D010856:Columbidae / Q000097:blood*; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013045:Species Specificity; D013929:Thromboxane B2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013931:Thromboxanes / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D010743:Phospholipids; D011453:Prostaglandins; D013931:Thromboxanes; D013929:Thromboxane B2; D002784:Cholesterol