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From: larry@kitty.UUCP (Larry Lippman)
Newsgroups: net.bio,net.misc
Subject: Re: Does aspirin inhibit oxidative phosphorylation?
Message-ID: <688@kitty.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 5-Jan-86 20:00:43 EST
Article-I.D.: kitty.688
Posted: Sun Jan  5 20:00:43 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 7-Jan-86 07:02:04 EST
References: <1038@bnl44.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Recognition Research Corp., Clarence, NY
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Xref: linus net.bio:195 net.misc:7706

> I was told some time ago (or possibly read) that high doses of aspirin
> inhibit oxidative phosphorylation.
> Is this true?
> For arthritis-related reasons I sometimes take 5 or 6 aspirin at one time
> (yes, I *know* that's a bad idea) but is the resulting fatigue due to my
> mitochondria getting annoyed?

	The major pharmacological action of aspirin is inhibition of various
prostagladins, resulting in:

1.	Diminished perception of pain, since prostaglandins are believed to
	sensitive nerve endings to the pain-producing effects of bradykinin.

2.	Reducing body temperature (antipyretic effect) since prostaglandins
	E1 ans E2 are used for temperature regulation.

	In addition, aspirin is known to:

1.	Uncouple oxidative phosphorylation [you're right], resulting in
	increased oxygen consumption.

2.	Inhibit synthesis of mucopolysaccharides.

3.	Affect thyroid function by interfering with the binding of thyroxine
	by plasma proteins.

4.	Lower blood sugar levels and deplete liver glycogen.

5.	Upset acid-base balance in excessive dosages, resulting in respiratory
	alkalosis in some circumstances, and metabolic acidosis in others
	(usually infants and young children, though).

	I don't you why you feel tired, but with dosages as you have indicated,
it could very well be more than one of the above reasons.

==>  Larry Lippman @ Recognition Research Corp., Clarence, New York        <==
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