Thromboxane A2: effects on airway and vascular smooth muscle

Thromboxane A2, an unstable compound derived from prostaglandin G2, was generated by incubation of arachidonic acid with a suspension of human platelets. The activity of thromboxane A2 relative to that of prostaglandin H2 in causing contractions of a number of smooth muscle organs were as follows: rabbit aorta, 7-20; human umbilical artery, 9-60; and guinea pig trachea, 2-12. Intravenous injection of thromboxane A2 into anaesthetized quinea pigs was followed by a pronounced increase in the tracheal insufflation pressure, potency compared to prostaglandin H2, 31-45.