Developing Methods for a Thromboxane Synthetase Inhibitor and a Prostacyclin Analogue in Biological Fluids: Problems and Some Solutions

PG’s⊗ and TX’s have a wide range of biological activities including stimulation of muscles, dilation of small arteries, lowering of blood pressure, inhibition of gastric secretions and platelet aggregation. They are also implicated in imflammatory reactions, kidney function and immune responses [1]. Several articles in this vol. and in Vol. 16 deal with the determination of PG’s and TX’s and investigation of their biosynthesis. To define and elucidate their role in disease states, various inhibitors and analogues have been synthesized. These likewise have to be quantified at low levels without interference from endogenous compounds. Our experiences in developing two such methods are now described. In the first, solid-phase extraction problems arose.