A Study on the Role of Plasma Thromboxane A₂ in Chronic Pulmonary Emphysema

In the present study, plasma levels of TXB₂ and 11-dehydro-TXB₂ (11DTXB₂), the metabolites of TXA₂, were measured in 30 patients with chronic pulmonary emphysema in the stable phase, 10 patiens with other benign lung diseases, and 10 normal adults. Pa_O2, Pa_CO2, and FEV_1.0% were also measured at the same time for comparison. Subsequently plasma TXB₂ and 11DTXB₂ levels were compared between acute exacerbation and stable phases. Plasma 11DTXB₂ levels were significantly higher in the patients with chronic pulmonary emphysema in the stable phase, compared with those with other benign lung diseases and normal adults. Plasma 11DTXB₂ showed significant negative correlations with Pa_O2, and FEV_1.0%. Plasma TXB₂ levels during acute exacerbation of chronic pulmonary emphysema were significantly higher than those during the stable phase.