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Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid present in the granules and membranes of human platelets. It is liberated from phospholipids and in the presence of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 1 (COX-1), incorporates oxygen to form the endoperoxide prostoglandin G2 (PGG2). PGG2 is then quickly transformed to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) which in turn is converted into thromboxane A2 a potent inducer of platelet aggregation. In vitro addition of arachadonic acid to normal platelet rich plasma results in a burst of oxygen consumption, thromboxane formation and platelet aggregation. Ingestion of aspirin-containing compounds inhibits COX-1 mediated oxygen consumption, thus precluding all subsequent events leading to platelet aggregation.
