Injection of sodium arachidonate (1.4 milligrams per kilogram) into the marginal ear veins of rabbits caused death within 3 minutes. Histological examination showed platelet thrombi in the microvasculature of the lungs. Rabbits were protected from the lethal effects of arachidonic acid by pretreatment with aspirin. Fatty acids closely related to arachidonic acid did not cause death.

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A B S T R A C r Prostaglandins E2 and F2. were formed in response to ADP, L-epinephrine, or collagen by human platelets suspended in plasma containing citrate anticoagulant and stirred at 37°C. The prostaglandins formed by platelets in response to collagen were rapidly released and the amounts formed were proportional to the amount of collagen added. The formation of the prostaglandins was associated with the single wave of aggregation induced by collagen or the second wave of aggregation induced by epinephrine. The above findings are discussed with reference to published studies on the biochemical changes occurring during platelet aggregation. It is suggested that the formation and release of prostaglandins is associated with the secretion of endogenous ADP and 5-hydroxytryptamine.

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