Effect of the thromboxane receptor antagonist EP 092 on endotoxin shock in the sheep

The thromboxane receptor antagonist EP 092 inhibits the acute pulmonary vascular response to E. coli endotoxin in the anaesthetized, closed-chest sheep. The increase in the TXB2 level in arterial blood was not suppressed by EP 092. Intravenous infusion of the thromboxane mimetic 11,9-epoxymethano PGH2, but not PGF2 alpha, raises pulmonary artery pressure and lowers arterial pO2 similar to the endotoxin. Isolated strips of lobar pulmonary veins but not lobar arteries are contracted by low concentrations of 11,9-epoxymethano PGH2 - the effects are potently inhibited by EP 092.