Alterations in platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptors by aspirin

Role of aspirin in modulating myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury

The role of low-dose aspirin (3 mg/kg, i.v.) in attenuating ischemic reperfusion injury was studied in a canine model. Regional ischemia for 40 min was produced by temporary occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery and thereafter reperfusion instituted for 3 h. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), positive (+) LV dP/dtmax and negative (-) LV dP/dtmax were monitored along with myocardial adenosine triphosphate (ATP), creatine phosphate (CP), glycogen and lactate. Following reperfusion, there was a significant fall in (i) MAP, (ii) (+) LV dP/dtmax and (iii) (-) LV dP/dtmax. LVEDP was corrected after about 2 h of reperfusion. Replenishment of only myocardial CP occurred, without any change in ATP and glycogen, although lactate accumulation was corrected. Aspirin administered 15 min before reperfusion (post-treatment) caused normalisation of LVEDP within 15 min and prevented any deterioration in (-) LV dP/dtmax, although it had no effect on MAP and (+) LV dP/dtmax. After 3 h of reperfusion (post-treatment), myocardial ATP, CP, glycogen and lactate contents became normal. The number of premature ventricular complexes was significantly reduced after aspirin treatment. The present study indicates that low-dose aspirin post-treatment can ameliorate at least some of the deleterious consequences of reperfusion injury of the myocardium.

Effect of aspirin on conformation and dynamics of membrane proteins in platelets and erythrocytes

The effect of the chemical modifications induced by aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), acetyl chloride or salicylate on platelet membranes and erythrocyte ghosts has been investigated by means of fluorescence quenching and ESR spectroscopy in relation to our earlier findings of acetylation-induced reduction of platelet and erythrocyte membrane lipid fluidity. Only aspirin was found to induce disorders in the lipid-protein matrix and membrane protein conformation. The apparent distance separating the membrane tryptophan and bound 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulphonate (ANS) molecules was decreased after aspirin action in both platelet and erythrocyte membranes. This resulted in a significant increase in the maximum energy transfer efficiency. The decrease in the ratio of the amplitudes of low-field peaks of weakly to strongly immobilized fractions of maleimide spin label (4-maleimido-2,2,6-6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) and the rise in the relative rotational correlation time of iodoacetamide spin label [4-(2-iodoacetamido)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl] indicate that aspirin effectively immobilizes membrane proteins in the plane of the lipid bilayer, whereas neither acetyl chloride or salicylate gave rise to detectable effects. We conclude that aspirin-induced alterations in membrane protein structure induce a reorganization of lipid assembly as well as rearrangements in the membrane protein pattern, and consequently alterations in lipid-protein interactions. Thus, the interaction of aspirin with platelet and erythrocyte membranes may induce local conformational changes in membranes, which are discussed in connection with impairment of platelet function. A new mode of protein chemical modification by aspirin is suggested which involves the generation of reactive salicylic residue during the fast degradation of aspirin under physiological conditions.

The influence of aspirin on plasma and platelet catecholamine levels, and platelet function in normal man

The aim of the study was to determine whether aspirin influences sympathoadrenal output in normal human subjects. Plasma and platelet adrenaline and noradrenaline levels were measured before and after chronic administration of oral aspirin (300 mg per day for 7 days). Catecholamine concentrations measured immediately following aspirin did not differ from control (pre-treatment) values. Platelet noradrenaline and plasma adrenaline levels were, however, significantly increased 2 weeks after cessation of treatment. Platelet TxB2 generation was significantly reduced following aspirin treatment indicating that platelet cyclooxygenase had been inhibited. Catecholamine concentrations did not correlate with TxB2 generation. In vitro platelet aggregation induced by ADP, adrenaline and collagen was reduced after aspirin providing additional confirmation of cyclooxygenase inhibition. However, the in vivo markers of platelet function, beta-TG and PF4 were unaffected. These data do not provide convincing evidence for an action of aspirin on sympathoadrenal outflow, either directly or via a prostaglandin (thromboxane) mediated effect, although this does not exclude a later, delayed effect. There was no evidence for interactions between thromboxane, catecholamine levels in plasma and platelets, and platelet function.