Platelet and vessel associated prostacyclin and thromboxane A₂/prostaglandin endoperoxide receptors

Abstract. Synthetic stable analogues of thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂), cyclic endoperoxides (PGH₂) and prostacyclin (PGI₂) opened up new opportunities for investigating the mechanisms of action of these compounds. They proved to be useful pharmacological probes for characterizing PGI₂ and TXA₂/PGH₂ receptors. Over the past few years, new synthetic antagonists with high specificity allowed the modulation of biological responses to endogenous eicosanoids. These compounds will, therefore, considerably promote our understanding of the biological function and significance of arachidonate metabolites. The present review summarizes current concepts that have arisen concerning platelet and vascular PGI₂ and TXA₂/PGH₂ receptors, their transmembrane signal transduction, as well as their possible implications in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease.