Differential impact of prostaglandin H synthase 1 knockdown on platelets and parturition

J Clin Invest. 2005 Apr;115(4):986-95. doi: 10.1172/JCI23683. Epub 2005 Mar 17.

Abstract

Platelet activation is a hallmark of severe preeclampsia, and platelet PGH synthase 1-derived (PGHS1-derived) thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) has been implicated in its pathogenesis. However, genetic disruption of PGHS1 delays parturition. We created hypomorphic PGHS1 (PGHS1(Neo/Neo)) mice, in which the substantial but tissue-dependent variability in the inhibition of PGHS1-derived eicosanoids achieved by low-dose aspirin treatment is mimicked, to assess the relative impact of this strategy on hemostatic and reproductive function. Depression of platelet TxA(2) by 98% in PGHS1(Neo/Neo) mice decreased platelet aggregation and prevented thrombosis. Similarly, depression of macrophage PGE(2) by 75% was associated with selectively impaired inflammatory responses. PGF(2alpha) at 8% WT levels was sufficient to induce coordinated temporal oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression in uterus and normal ovarian luteolysis in PGHS1(Neo/Neo) mice at late gestation, while absence of PGHS1 expression in null mice delayed OTR induction and the programmed decrease of serum progesterone during parturition. Thus, extensive but tissue-dependent variability in PG suppression, as occurs with low-dose aspirin treatment, prevents thrombosis and impairs the inflammatory response but sustains parturition. PGHS1(Neo/Neo) mice provide a model of low-dose aspirin therapy that elucidates how prevention or delay of preeclampsia might be achieved without compromising reproductive function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acid / metabolism
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Cyclooxygenase 1
  • Edema / chemically induced
  • Edema / drug therapy
  • Estradiol / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Ovary / cytology
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Parturition / physiology*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / drug therapy
  • Pre-Eclampsia / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Progesterone / blood
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / genetics
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Oxytocin / genetics
  • Receptors, Oxytocin / metabolism
  • Thromboxane A2 / metabolism
  • Uterus / cytology
  • Uterus / metabolism

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Receptors, Oxytocin
  • Arachidonic Acid
  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol
  • Thromboxane A2
  • Cyclooxygenase 1
  • PTGS1 protein, human
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
  • Ptgs1 protein, mouse
  • Aspirin