Antiaggregatory and Hypotensive Effects of Endothelin-1 in Beagle Dogs: Role for Prostacyclin

The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on blood pressure and platelet aggregation were studied in anesthetized beagle dogs. Platelet aggregation was monitored in vivo by a filter-loop technique and in vitro by using platelet-rich plasma and whole blood. ET-1 (0.03-0.3 nmol/kg) induced a transient dose-dependent hypotension and inhibited platelet aggregation in vivo. These changes were accompanied by dose-dependent elevation of plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels. Pretreatment of animals with indomethacin (2 mg/kg plus 3 mg/kg/h) completely abolished the antiaggregatory action of ET-1 and significantly attenuated the hypotensive response to ET-1. Intra-arterial infusion of prostacyclin at concentrations similar to those observed following ET-1 injections mimicked the antiaggregatory and hypotensive actions of ET-1. ET-1 (0.1-100 nM) did not modify platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, and platelet-activating factor in vitro, suggesting that dog platelets do not possess ET-1 receptors. These findings indicate that the antiaggregatory and hypotensive actions of ET-1 in beagle dogs are mediated through release of prostacyclin.