Lipoxin generation by permeabilized human platelets

Lipoxin generation in both intact and permeabilized platelets were examined and compared to determine the rate of leukotriene A4 (LTA4) conversion to lipoxin. Results showed that in permeabilized platelets 10 to 15 times more LTA4 were converted to lipoxin compared to those converted to peptidoleukotrienes. Similar amounts of these metabolic products were produced in intact cells exposed to thrombin. The results indicate that conversion to lipoxin is a major LTA4 metabolic pathway in platelets with altered permeability and in platelets exposed to thrombin.