In the present study we investigated the ability of prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) to lower platelet cAMP levels independent of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production. Human platelet-rich plasma was incubated (37 degrees C) with 13 nM prostacyclin (PGI2) to increase platelet cAMP levels. Addition of 500 microM arachidonic acid (AA) to PGI2-treated platelets resulted in a return of cAMP to control levels. Inhibition of both PGH2 and TXA2 production with indomethacin (20 microM) blocked the ability of AA to lower PGI2-stimulated increases in cAMP. On the other hand, selective inhibition of TXA2 production with the thromboxane synthetase blocker 7-(1 imidazoyl) heptanoic acid (7-IHA; 10 microM), did not prevent the cAMP lowering effect of added AA. These results provide evidence that PGH2 need not be converted to TXA2 in order to reduce platelet cAMP levels.