Inhibition of platelet activation by MM-706, a stable carbacyclin analog, in the conscious rat

A new stable analog of carbacyclin, 13,14-dihydro-15,16,17,18,19,20-hexanor-14-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) carbacyclin, identified as MM-706, was investigated in vivo in the conscious rat. MM-706 as single bolus (200 micrograms/kg, equivalent to 546 nmol/kg) prevented the reduction of circulating platelets induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (1 mumol/kg as IV bolus). 2. A similar effect on free platelet numbers also was observed with iloprost (20 and 200 micrograms/kg IV bolus). However, MM-706 did not induce any significant variation of mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) or heart rate, unlike iloprost, which reduced MABP within 10 min of administration. 3. In conclusion, MM-706 is effective in interfering with in vivo platelet activation induced by ADP without influencing other cardiovascular parameters, such as arterial pressure and heart rate.