Prevention of tissue factor generation in mononuclear cells by agents known to increase intracellular cyclic AMP.

Agents known to increase intracellular levels of cyclic 3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) were examined for their effect on tissue factor generation by mononuclear cells cultured with E. coli endotoxin. Aminophylline, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, and epinephrine, a beta-adrenergic agent, showed an inhibitory effect, and these effects were reversible. Moreover, dibutyryl cyclic AMP also exhibited the effect. Dibutyryl cyclic GMP, however, did not enhance the tissue factor generation by mononuclear cells. On the basis of these observations, it was concluded that the phenomenon of tissue factor generation by mononuclear cells is a biological event, and that intracellular cyclic AMP has a possible role in modulating this phenomenon.