[Influence of the venous wall--platelet interaction by dihydroergotamine (author's transl)]

The incubation of rabbit venous rings (vena cava) is followed by the synthesis and release of prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2, PGI2), as measured by the inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. The incubation of the venous rings in dihydroergotamine leads to a stimulation of PGI2 synthesis and/or release. This effect of dihydroergotamine, apart from the vasoactive properties of this compound, might prove advantageous as a prophylactic measure in venous thrombosis.