Retinol induces platelet aggregation via activation of phospholipase A2

All-trans-retinol induced aggregation of rabbit platelets, and this effect could be inhibited by a cyclooxygenase inhibitor and a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor antagonist, indicating an essential role for endogenously produced TXA2. We found a two-phase arachidonic acid release in retinol-stimulated platelets. The first phase was induced by the action of retinol alone and not inhibited by TXA2 receptor antagonist. The second phase was induced via synergistic action of retinol and initially generated small amount of TXA2, and was inhibited by the antagonist. Moreover, we discussed that the arachidonic acid release may be mediated by the action of phospholipase A2.