Thromboxane does not mediate pulmonary vascular response to monocrotaline pyrrole

The possible involvement of thromboxane (Tx) in the pulmonary hypertension caused by monocrotaline pyrrole (MCTP) administration to rats was investigated by pharmacological intervention of Tx synthesis and action. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, ibuprofen, at doses that inhibited platelet function and suppressed plasma Tx levels, did not attenuate MCTP-induced right ventricular hypertrophy or increased lung weight. Dazmegrel, an inhibitor of Tx synthetase, did not affect the MCTP-induced increase in lung weight or the elevation of lactate dehydrogenase activity or protein concentration in bronchopulmonary lavage fluid, despite significant reduction of the plasma concentration of Tx. Dazmegrel also did not alter the vascular leak or right ventricular hypertrophy due to administration of MCTP to rats. Finally, the Tx receptor antagonist L-640,035 was tested using a dosing regimen that reduced the increase in right ventricular pressure caused by a stable endoperoxide analogue in MCTP-treated rats. Cotreatment with L-640,035 did not attenuate the increase in lung weight, lavage fluid lactate dehydrogenase activity or protein concentration, or the pulmonary hypertension caused by MCTP. These results indicate that interference with Tx synthesis or action does not attenuate the toxic effects of MCTP and suggest that Tx is not necessary for the cardiopulmonary response to MCTP.