Antibodies were prepared against 9-deoxy-6,9-epoxy-PGF1alpha, the 5,6-dihydro analog of prostacyclin (PGI2). By using as the hapten, this structurally similar, stable analog, an antibody population was developed which recognized PGI2 and reversed its influence on platelet aggregation. The antibodies also opposed the normal effect of PGI2 on the cAMP and thromboxane B2 levels during aggregation. By anticipating the cross reaction between the analog and PGI2 and by considering it beneficial, the problem of raising antibodies against an unstable compound has been circumvented.