PRODUCTION OF PROSTACYCLIN AND FIBRINOLYSIS MODULATORS BY ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS CULTURED IN THE PRESENCE OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the in vitro production of prostacyclin, and of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its inhib itor, PAI-1, by human endothelial cells cultured in the presence of po lyethylene terephthalate (PET). After a 48 h contact between the cells and the polymer, the concentration of 6-keto-PGF1alpha, a stable meta bolite of prostacyclin, tPA, and PAI-1, was assayed on the supernatant s. Contact of the endothelial cells with PET produced a highly signifi cant reduction of 6-keto-PGF1alpha with respect to control cultures. T issue plasminogen activator concentration in the supernatants of the c ultures in contact with the material was similar to that observed in t he controls, while PAI-1 production was significantly reduced. It can be concluded that the contact between endothelial cells and PET determ ines a reduction in the platelet aggregability and an increase of the fibrinolytic activity due to a decrease in PAI-1, while tPA concentrat ion remains unchanged. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.