Evidence that the dense tubular system (DTS) is the site of platelet prostaglandin synthesis derives from several observations. First platelet peroxidase is localized in the DTS. Aminotriazole which inhibits the platelet peroxidase, inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis at the same concentration. Secondly, a similar peroxidase occurs in the secretory cells of the sheep vesicular gland (SVG) and other cells known to be involved in prostaglandin synthesis. Third, the DTS is smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and SER, which is abundant in the prostaglandin synthesizing columnar cells of the SVG secretory units, is known to be involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism in other tissues. Evidence that calcium is stored in the DTS derives from ultrastructural studies showing that the DTS is analagous to the sarcotubules of skeletal muscle, and that the DTS has the capacity to bind divalent cations. Evidence that calcium flux and prostaglandin synthesis are closely linked comes from several observations which suggest 1) that movement of calcium ions to the site where arachidonic acid (AA) is released from the precursor phospholipids to be used for synthesis of prostaglandins, stimulates the AA release and 2) that synthesized prostaglandin G2, prostaglandin H2, and/or thromboxane A2 initiate platelet contraction by moving calcium from the site of synthesis to the vicinity of the contractile actin and myosin. The results suggest that the DTS, prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis, and calcium flux are integral parts of the system modulating platelet activation.
Effect of Bundled Tubular System on Response of Building Subjected to Dynamic Wind Loads
