[Primary prostaglandins PGE2, PGF2, prostacyclin and thromboxane in patients with myocardial infarction]

In 47 patients with acute myocardial infarction and in 17 healthy volunteers blood concentration and urinary excretion of PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha--hydrolysis product of prostacyclin--and TXB2 were determined using RIA. Myocardial infarction patients were found to have significantly higher blood level and urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, higher blood level of PGF2 and higher urinary excretion of TXB2 than controls, PGE2 urinary excretion was significantly lower. Increased excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was observed in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. Excretion of all determined prostaglandins was increased in patients with myocardial infarction complicated by atrioventricular block as compared to the other patients. The results suggest, that increase of prostacyclin synthesis in the acute phase of myocardial infarction may provide protection mechanism against heart muscle damage and improve coronary blood flow.