Prostacyclin bioassays using inhibition of platelet aggregation and relaxation of rabbit coeliac artery.

Bioassays of prostacyclin by inhibition of velocity and maximum of both irreversible and biphasic platelet aggregation, and by relaxation of the potassium-contracted isolated superfused rabbit coeliac artery have been undertaken. The use of each parameter is possible within a range of PGI2 concentrations, which have been determined for each of the five parameters studied. The optimal concentrations of PGI2 for a bioassay have also been determined, corresponding to each range.