[The role of prostaglandins in the effect of beta-blockers on stimulated blood platelets]

Abstract

Atenolol, a selective beta-blocker, slightly potentiates the stimulated aggregation of platelets against dose-dependence. The drug potentiates similarly stimulated release of arachidonic acid, it does not influence the formation of malondialdehyde and the thromboxane B2 production in stimulated platelets. The non-selective beta-blocker propranolol inhibits in a dose-dependent way stimulated aggregation, the release of arachidonic acid, it reduces thromboxane B2 production in stimulated platelets. The authors revealed that the anti-aggregating action of beta-blockers is closely related to their ability to influence prostaglandin synthesis in stimulated platelets.