Role of platelet factor Xa in chylomicron-prothrombin complexes induced platelet activation

The effects of chylomicron-prothrombin complexes on platelet activation, including platelet aggregation, serotonin release, arachidonic acid release and increases of platelet cytosolic [Ca2+]i were examined. Furthermore the role of platelet factor Xa on the conversion of chylomicron bound prothrombin to thrombin was studied by using a synthetic inhibitor of factor Xa, TenStop. The chylomicron-prothrombin complexes could induce platelet aggregation and enhance the platelet serotonin release and arachidonic acid release in contrast to native chyle chylomicrons. An increase of platelet [Ca2+]i was observed during incubation with chylomicron-prothrombin complexes. TenStop inhibited platelet aggregation and serotonin release that were induced by chylomicron-prothrombin complexes in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the TenStop itself did not inhibit the platelet aggregation induced by thrombin and collagen. It is concluded that platelet activation induced by chylomicron-prothrombin complexes is related to the platelet factor Xa that could be the key factor in the conversion of chylomicron bound prothrombin to thrombin.

Identification of metabolic intermediates in microbial degradation of phenol using laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Laser desorption time-of-flight (LD-TOF) mass spectrometry was utilized to determine the metabolic intermediates in microbial degradation of phenol. The identified components were in good agreement with the well-documented pathway. This technique also demonstrated excellent precision. Analytical merits, instrumentation and methodology are discussed.

Signaling through transforming G protein-coupled receptors in NIH 3T3 cells involves c-Raf activation. Evidence for a protein kinase C-independent pathway

We have studied the role of Raf-1 in mitogenesis and cellular transformation induced by G protein-coupled receptors in NIH 3T3 cells transfected with the human m1 muscarinic receptor. We have observed that in m1-expressing NIH 3T3 cells, the cholinergic agonist carbachol induces a dose- and time-dependent shift in the electrophoretic mobility of p72Raf-1, equivalent to that observed when using phorbol esters or platelet-derived growth factor as stimulants. Phosphoamino acid analysis of slower mobility forms of p72Raf-1 revealed both phosphoserine and phosphothreonine. Carbachol potently induced c-Raf activity as judged by its in vitro phosphorylating activity using MEK as a substrate. However, induction of Raf-1 kinase activity by carbachol occurred much earlier than changes in its electrophoretic mobility. Raf-1 kinase activation followed a kinetic similar to that exhibited by an epitope-tagged ERK2 protein when coexpressed in the same cells. Conventional protein kinase C (PKC) inactivation by means of sustained phorbol ester treatment or by a new nontoxic PKC-specific inhibitor, GF 109203X, abolished p72Raf-1 mobility shift induced by carbachol or by phorbol esters. However, c-Raf and ERK2 enzymatic activity in response to carbachol was at least 50-80% PKC-independent. Furthermore, inhibition of PKC failed to affect DNA synthesis or focus formation induced by carbachol in cells expressing m1 receptors. In contrast, cotransfection of NIH 3T3 cells with the Raf-1 dominant negative mutant Raf-301 (K375W) drastically decreased the transforming ability of m1 receptors. Thus, our findings implicate Raf-1 activation in transformation by G protein-coupled receptors. In addition, our data suggest that activation of p72Raf-1 and ERK2 by G protein-coupled receptors involves PKC-independent pathways.

Potent transforming activity of the G13 alpha subunit defines a novel family of oncogenes

The finding of GTPase inhibiting mutations in genes for alpha subunits of Gs and Gi2 in certain endocrine tumors suggests that heterotrimeric G proteins might contribute to neoplasia. Expression of these activated forms of alpha s or alpha i2 in NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts induces certain alterations in cell growth, but is weakly transforming. Mutationally activated forms of the alpha subunit of another G protein family, Gq, are fully oncogenic in NIH 3T3 cells, although with a very low potency. In contrast, we have recently shown that overexpression of the alpha subunit of a novel G protein, G12, is itself transforming, and an activated mutant of alpha 12 behaves as one of the most potent oncogenes known. In this study, we have explored whether another member of the G alpha 12 family, G alpha 13, harbors transforming potential. Our data demonstrate that G alpha 13 can behave as a potent dominant acting oncogene. These findings strongly suggest that the G12 family of G proteins represents a novel class of oncogenes.

Ras-dependent activation of MAP kinase pathway mediated by G-protein beta gamma subunits

Mitogen-activated protein kinases, MAP kinases or ERKs (extracellular signal-regulated kinases) are rapidly stimulated by growth-promoting factors acting on a variety of cell-surface receptors. In turn, ERKs phosphorylate and regulate key intracellular enzymes and transcription factors involved in the control of cellular proliferation. The tyrosine-kinase class of growth-factor receptors transmits signals to ERKs in a multistep process that involves Ras and a limited number of defined molecules. In contrast, ERK activation by G-protein-coupled receptors is poorly understood, as is the role of ras in this signalling pathway. We have explored in COS-7 cells the mechanism of ERKs activation by m1 and m2 muscarinic receptors, typical examples of receptors coupled through Gq proteins to induce phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and to G(i) proteins to inhibit adenylyl cyclase, respectively. Here we present evidence that ERK activation is mediated by beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins acting on a ras-dependent pathway.

Chylomicron-induced prothrombin activation and platelet aggregation

The effects on platelet aggregation of native rat chyle chylomicrons, chylomicron remnants, and chylomicrons that had been preincubated with rat or human EDTA-plasma, serum, whole blood, or pure human prothrombin were examined. The native chyle chylomicrons did not induce platelet aggregation but decreased ADP- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and [14C]serotonin release. Chylomicron remnants also failed to induce platelet aggregation, but they potentiated the aggregation and the [14C]serotonin release induced by ADP and thrombin. Aggregation, after a lag phase of 15 to 20 minutes, was seen when platelets were incubated with chylomicrons that had been preincubated with plasma and then isolated as the top layer after a single centrifugation at d = 1.006. This aggregation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by an antiserum against prothrombin that also inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. After washing by centrifugation the plasma-preincubated chylomicrons did not induce platelet aggregation, but this effect could be restored by adding a small amount of prothrombin, which did not cause aggregation when added alone or together with native chyle chylomicrons. Addition of 2% (vol/vol) plasma, however, induced aggregation when added together with either native chyle chylomicrons or washed preincubated chylomicrons, but not when added alone. Binding of 125I-labeled prothrombin to native chyle chylomicrons was demonstrated by gradient ultracentrifugation. During incubation of washed plasma-preincubated chylomicrons with 125I-prothrombin and platelets, a significant conversion of 125I-prothrombin to 125I-prethrombin and 125I-thrombin occurred, as demonstrated by autoradiography after separation on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The interaction between chylomicrons and prothrombin, and possibly other coagulation proteins, thus enhances prothrombin activation in the presence of platelets.

The non-catalytic domain of ras-GAP inhibits transformation induced by G protein coupled receptors

We have studied the relationship between ras-GAP and G protein coupled receptors in a proliferative setting comprised of NIH3T3 expressing transfected muscarinic receptors (mAChRs). GAP expression plasmids were engineered to encode wild-type GAP, its carboxyl-terminal catalytic domain, a mutant lacking a portion of the catalytic domain, and an amino-terminal domain which contained the hydrophobic region as well as SH2-SH3 domains. Cotransfection of each GAP expression plasmid into NIH3T3 cells did not affect the transforming ability of the v-mos oncogene, but plasmids encoding wild-type GAP or the mutant consisting of an intact catalytic domain inhibited transformation induced by normal c-ras. Wild-type GAP also prevented transformation by m1 mAChRs, whereas the mutant consisting of only its catalytic domain lacked any demonstrable effect. In contrast, the N-terminal non-catalytic domain of GAP effectively prevented m1-induced focus-formation. Cell lines coexpressing m1 receptors and each of the GAP constructs revealed that GAP proteins do not affect m1 receptor density, receptor ligand binding characteristics or coupling to the PI-PLC signal transduction pathway. Thus, our findings suggest a role for the N-terminal non-catalytic domain of GAP in regulating biological functions mediated by G protein-coupled receptors.

Evidence for nicotine-induced skin flap ischemic necrosis in the pig

There is clinical and experimental evidence to indicate that cigarette smoking may increase the risk of skin ischemic necrosis in flap surgery but the pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. The objectives of this project were to investigate the potential deleterious effects and mechanism of action of nicotine, a major by-product of cigarette smoking, in skin flap surgery in the pig. It was observed that 4-5 weeks of intramuscular nicotine injections (4 mg/kg; twice daily) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the skin flap capillary blood flow and the length and area of skin flap viability in the pig. This nicotine treatment also induced a 1.6-fold increase in skin flap tissue content of norepinephrine compared with the saline-treated control. The estimated mean wet skin tissue content of norepinephrine (5 x 10(-7) M) was much higher than the circulating level of norepinephrine (1.8 x 10(-9) M) in nicotine-treated pigs. This level of norepinephrine (5 x 10(-7) M) was seen to induce a significant vasoconstrictor effect (75% increase over basal perfusion pressure) in isolated perfused pig skin flaps. It was also observed that the vasoconstrictor effect of norepinephrine was significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in the presence of 10(-4) M N omega-monomethyl-L-arginine or NG-nitro-L-arginine, an endothelium-derived relaxing factor--nitric oxide (EDRF/NO) synthesis inhibitor. This vasoconstrictor effect was further enhanced in the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine and 10(-5) M indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in young healthy volunteers]

Pharmacokinetic studies on ciprofloxacin were carried out in 6 young healthy volunteers. Serum and urine levels of ciprofloxacin were measured by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The drug obeyed one-compartment model kinetics in serum. The mean peak serum concentration, time to peak concentration and the area under the curve were 4.17 +/- 1.05mg/L, 1.75 +/- 0.40h and 18.09 +/- 2.69mg/L.h respectively after oral administration of 500mg of ciprofloxacin tablet. The elimination half life was 2.34 +/- 0.81h and the apparent volume of distribution was 3.71 +/- 0.75L. The urinary rate of ciprofloxacin over 24h after dosing was 34.22 +/- 6.57%. These data indicate that ciprofloxacin is easily absorbed and its concentration reaches the peak level rapidly. There are high levels of drug both in serum and urine.

A mutant alpha subunit of G12 potentiates the eicosanoid pathway and is highly oncogenic in NIH 3T3 cells

The discovery of GTPase-inhibiting mutations in genes for alpha subunits of Gs or G(i2) in certain human endocrine tumors has raised the possibility that heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) might contribute to neoplastic disease. Expression of GTPase-deficient alpha s or alpha i2 polypeptides in rodent fibroblasts increases or decreases cAMP, respectively, and induces certain alterations in cell growth but only a few of the phenotypic changes associated with cellular transformation. In contrast, an analogous mutation in the alpha subunit of Gq, which activates phosphatidylinositol (PI)-specific phospholipase C, is fully oncogenic. However, activated alpha q is cytotoxic and several orders of magnitude less potent as an oncogene than certain G protein-coupled receptors. Thus, G proteins other than those inducing PI hydrolysis might possess high transforming efficiency. In the present study, we explored the G12 family of G proteins for their oncogenic potential. Our results show that whereas overexpression of wild-type alpha 12 in NIH 3T3 cells is itself weakly transforming, an activated alpha 12 behaves as a remarkably potent oncogene. Transformation by alpha 12 correlates with alterations in the eicosanoid pathway but not with PI-specific phospholipase C or other G protein-linked second messengers.

Pharmacologic intervention of skin vasospasm and ischemic necrosis in pigs

Ischemic necrosis resulting from vasospasm is a common complication in skin flap surgery, and serotonin released by traumatized platelets is likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of skin vasospasm in flap surgery. We studied the pathogenic role of serotonin and its pharmacologic intervention thereof in skin flap ischemic necrosis in pigs. We observed that serotonin caused a concentration-dependent (10(-8)-10(-5) M) increase in perfusion pressure in isolated perfused pig skin flaps. This vasoconstrictive effect of serotonin was blocked by S1C/2-serotonergic receptor antagonists LY53857 (10(-5) M) and ketanserin (10(-5) M), but not by an alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist (prazosin 10(-5) M), or a thromboxane A2 (TxA2)/endoperoxide receptor antagonist (SQ30741 10(-5) M). The vasoconstrictive effect of serotonin was more pronounced (p < 0.05) in the presence of an endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor [N omega-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NA) or NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NMMA) 10(-5) M] but not a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin 10(-5) M). In in vivo studies, serotonin infusion (5 micrograms/kg/min intravenously, i.v.) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased pig random pattern skin flap capillary blood flow. This in vivo vascular effect was also completely blocked in pigs pretreated with LY53857 (0.4 mg/kg i.v.). In a separate experiment without serotonin infusion, i.v. prazosin (2-8 micrograms/kg), dazmegrel (2-6 mg/kg), or SQ30741 (2-4 mg/kg) had no significant effect on skin flap capillary blood flow as compared with control. On the other hand, i.v. sergolexole or LY53857 significantly (p < 0.05) increased skin flap capillary blood flow in a dose-dependent manner.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

SpCOUP-TF: a sea urchin member of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor family

Embryonic nuclear proteins from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus bind in vitro to a cis-acting element that lies upstream of the actin gene CyIIIb and consists of two direct repeats homologous to steroid hormone response elements. This sea urchin element is specifically recognized by transcription factor COUP-TF from HeLa cell nuclear extracts as well. A sea urchin gene homologous to the human COUP-TF1 gene was detected by blot hybridization to S. purpuratus genomic DNA. Screening of a genomic DNA library with a human COUP-TF1 cDNA probe produced overlapping genomic clones that carry the S. purpuratus gene. Our results indicate that the sea urchin homologue has a structure similar to the human COUP-TF1 gene, i.e., conserved intron positions characteristic of this subgroup of steroid hormone receptors. Sequencing of the exons that encode the DNA- and ligand-binding domains of the sea urchin protein revealed 96% and 92% amino acid identity to the domains of the human protein, respectively. Transcripts derived from the S. purpuratus COUP-TF homologous gene were detected in ovarian and embryonic RNAs from various stages.

Mutated alpha subunit of the Gq protein induces malignant transformation in NIH 3T3 cells

The discovery of mutated, GTPase-deficient alpha subunits of Gs or Gi2 in certain human endocrine tumors has suggested that heterotrimeric G proteins play a role in the oncogenic process. Expression of these altered forms of G alpha s or G alpha i2 proteins in rodent fibroblasts activates or inhibits endogenous adenylyl cyclase, respectively, and causes certain alterations in cell growth. However, it is not clear whether growth abnormalities result from altered cyclic AMP synthesis. In the present study, we asked whether a recently discovered family of G proteins, Gq, which does not affect adenylyl cyclase activity, but instead mediates the activation of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C harbors transforming potential. We mutated the cDNA for the alpha subunit of murine Gq in codons corresponding to a region involved in binding and hydrolysis of GTP. Similar mutations unmask the transforming potential of p21ras or activate the alpha subunits of Gs or Gi2. Our results show that when expressed in NIH 3T3 cells, activating mutations convert G alpha q into a dominant acting oncogene.

Evidence for endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilation in human skin flaps

Acetylcholine (ACh) and nitroglycerin (NTG) were used as probes to study endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vascular relaxation in isolated perfused transverse paraumbilical human skin flaps. It was observed that ACh (10(-6) M) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the vascular resistance and increased dermal capillary perfusion (assessed by surface fluorometry) in norepinephrine (NE, 10(-6) M) preconstricted skin flaps, despite the presence of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin, 3 x 10(-5) M) and a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist (propranolol, 10(-6) M). The ability of ACh to induce vascular relaxation in NE-preconstricted skin flaps was lost after damaging the vascular endothelial lining with saponin perfusion (100 mg.L-1, 5 min). In contrast, NTG (10(-6) M) induced vascular relaxation to a similar extent before and after saponin treatment. In a separate study, ACh was seen to induce vascular relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner in skin flaps preconstricted with NE (10(-6) M). This vascular relaxation effect of ACh over the dose range of 10(-9)-10(-5) M was significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited in the presence of N omega-nitro-L-arginine (10(-5) M), a nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor. These observations were taken to indicate the presence of endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vascular relaxation in human skin flaps and that the ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation is probably mediated by NO. The importance of impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation in the pathogenesis of skin flap ischemia, and the potential use of topical nitrovasodilators or NO donors for prevention and (or) treatment of skin flap ischemia were also discussed.

Contrasting pattern of somatic and zygotic embryo development in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as revealed by scanning electron microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy has been used to investigate the morphological changes occurring during the development of alfalfa somatic embryos. Embryos were initiated from callus, transferred to suspension culture and matured on solid agar medium. This developmental pattern was compared to that of zygotic embryos developing in ovulo. Somatic embryos begin as distinct pro-embryos within the callus tissue pieces placed in suspension culture. They become globular and heart-shaped while on solid agar medium and then undergo cotyledon elongation and maturation. Somatic embryos develop comparatively slower at early stages of development and faster at the later stages than zygotic embryos. They lack a well-defined suspensor and have a very rough, poorly-differentiated epidermis, the first layer of which is lost after pro-embryo formation. The cotyledons of somatic embryos are multiple and poorlydeveloped; there appears to be a correlation between the amount of surface roughness of the developing embryo and the extent to which polycotyledony occurs.

D2O as a substitute for 3H2O, as a reference indicator in liver multiple-indicator dilution studies

The hepatic space of distribution and the processes underlying uptake of tracer substrate may be appraised by the multiple-indicator dilution technique after simultaneous injection of noneliminated vascular (51Cr-labeled red blood cells), extracellular 125I-labeled albumin and [14C]sucrose (or [58Co]EDTA) as high- and low-molecular-weight interstitial references, respectively], and cellular (3H2O or [14C]urea) indicators, together with the tracer-labeled substrate. The use of 3H2O or [14C]urea, with [14C]- or [3H]sucrose, however, precludes the simultaneous introduction and analysis of the behavior of 3H- and 14C-labeled substrate and metabolite. An assay for the quantitation of D2O in plasma by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was therefore developed such that D2O could be used in lieu of 3H2O in multiple-indicator dilution studies in the blood-perfused rat liver. In experiments performed with an injection dose containing 51Cr-labeled red blood cells, 125I-labeled albumin, [14C]sucrose, 3H2O, and D2O, D2O was found to behave virtually identical to 3H2O in blood and liver; the accessible cellular water spaces were 0.625 and 0.621 ml/g liver for 3H2O and D2O, respectively, and the corresponding ratios of the sum of the cellular water plus the interstitial water space to the sinusoidal water space were 3.87 and 3.89. D2O was found to be an ideal substitute and is much superior to [14C]urea, which exhibits a small red blood cell carriage effect and which is slightly less dispersed than 3H2O.

Abscisic acid and osmoticum prevent germination of developing alfalfa embryos, but only osmoticum maintains the synthesis of developmental proteins

Developing seeds of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) acquire the ability to germinate during the latter stages of development, the maturation drying phase. Isolated embryos placed on Murashige and Skoog medium germinate well during early and late development, but poorly during mid-development; however, when placed on water they germinate well only during the latter stage of development. Germination of isolated embryos is very slow and poor when they are incubated in the presence of surrounding seed structures (the endosperm or seed coat) taken from the mid-development stages. This inhibitory effect is also achieved by incubating embryos in 10(-5) M abscisic acid (ABA). Endogenous ABA attains a high level during mid-development, especially in the endosperm. Seeds developing in pods treated with fluridone (1-methyl-3-phenyl-5[3-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-4(1H)-pyridinone) contain low levels of ABA during mid-development, and the endosperm and seed coat only weakly inhibit the germination of isolated embryos. However, intact seeds from fluridone-treated pods do not germinate viviparously, which is indicative that ABA alone is not responsible for maintaining seeds in a developing state. Application of osmoticum (e.g. 0.35 M sucrose) to isolated developing embryos prevents their germination. Also, in the developing seed in situ the osmotic potential is high. Thus internal levels of osmoticum may play a role in preventing germination of the embryo and maintaining development. Abscisic acid and osmoticum impart distinctly different metabolic responses on developing embryos, as demonstrated by their protein-synthetic capacity. Only in the presence of osmoticum do embryos synthesize proteins which are distinctly recognizable as those synthesized by developing embryos in situ, i.e. when inside the pod. Abscisic acid induces the synthesis of a few unique proteins, but these arise even in mature embryos treated with ABA. Thus while both osmoticum and ABA prevent precocious germination, their effects on the synthetic capacity of the developing embryo are quite distinct. Since seeds with low endogenous ABA do not germinate, osmotic regulation may be the more important of these two factors in controlling seed development.

Effects of retrograde flow on measured blood volume, Disse space, intracellular water space and drug extraction in the perfused rat liver: characterization by the multiple indicator dilution technique

Previous rat liver perfusion studies had shown a preferential derecruitment of downstream (phenacetin O-de-ethylation) in relation to upstream (acetaminophen sulfation) hepatocyte activities with reductions in prograde (normal) flow, with substrates entering from the portal vein and exiting the hepatic vein. The reduction in metabolic activities was found associated with a reduction in accessible intracellular water space (Pang et al., J. Pharmacokinet. Biopharm. 16: 595, 1988). In the present studies, we investigated the changes in metabolic activities of the liver and its accessible spaces during retrograde flow (substrates entering from the hepatic vein and exiting the portal vein), an approach used to probe zonal heterogeneity in the liver. The multiple indicator dilution technique was used to gain information concerning the accessible sinusoidal blood volume, Disse space, and the intracellular water space; once-through perfusion with tracer [3H]acetaminophen and [14C]phenacetin was performed simultaneously within the same liver, to estimate metabolic activities at the periportal and perihepatic venous regions of the liver, respectively, at the designated flows. The estimated sinusoidal blood volume, total albumin and sucrose distribution spaces, the Disse space and the accessible albumin and sucrose Disse spaces showed weak but positive correlations with retrograde perfusate flow rate. The values were substantially greater than those for rat livers perfused with normal (prograde) flows, suggesting an increase in the vascular space and accessible Disse space of the liver during retrograde flow. The total water and accessible intracellular water spaces also showed weak but positive correlations with retrograde perfusate flow, and the average intracellular water space (which is also accessed by the substrates) at both retrograde flows of 8 and 12 ml/min was 0.52 +/- 0.08 and 0.55 +/- 0.08 ml/g liver, respectively, values that were not statistically different. When the intracellular water space was plotted vs. water flow rate (ml water/g liver), a weakly positive correlation was again found, suggesting that over the flow range, the accessible intracellular water space decreased in a very gradual and linear fashion with a reduction in water flow rate. When the estimated intracellular water space for retrograde flow was compared with values obtained for the same flow rate in a prograde fashion, slightly lower values were obtained. After consideration of the effect of the distended vascular and interstitial spaces on the weights of the liver, the values obtained for retrograde and prograde flow rates were closely similar. In both cases, it appeared that with reduction in flow, the accessible intracellular water spaces were reduced, regardless of the flow direction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[The effect of eicosapentaenoic acid enriched marine oil on the platelet function in hypercoagulable state]

The effect of EPA enriched marine oil on platelet function in 12 cases of hypertension, 15 cases of diabetes and 20 cases of coronary heart disease is reported. The result of our study showed that there was platelet hyperfunction of various degrees in patients with those three kinds of diseases. The murine oil had an effect of inhibition, which were manifested by the prolongation on bleeding time, and decreased on platelet adhesion and aggregation. TxB2 in plasma was reduced, while 6-keto-PGF increased. There was no influence of EPA enriched fish oil on blood sugar and liver or kidney function. The authors concluded that platelet hyperfunction is an important element in the development of cardio vascular and cerebro vascular complications and increases the mortality rates in these diseases. Treatment with such a drug has beneficial effect with clinical improvement.