Cigarette smoking stimulates lipoxygenase but not cyclooxygenase pathway in platelets

Male rats were exposed to freshly generated cigarette smoke once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. Inhalation of smoke was verified by elevated level of carboxyhemoglobin. Arachidonate metabolism through lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways in platelets was determined. Cigarette smoking increased 12-lipoxygenase activity significantly without affecting the cyclooxygenase pathway. In view of platelet-leukocyte interactions and potent chemotactic activity of 12-HETE for aortic smooth muscle cell migration, increased 12-lipoxygenase activity may predispose individuals to atherosclerosis, thromboembolism and emphysema commonly found in smokers.