Dynamic changes of the thrombus after its formation due to platelet activation may affect the speed of thrombolysis. In the present study, we wanted to evaluate the role played by thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and serotonin (5HT) in (LAD). LAD blood flow was monitored throughout the experiment by means of a Doppler flow probe placed proximally to the coil. Presence of the thrombus was documented for 30 minutes. The dogs were then assigned to one of four groups as follows: group 1 dogs (n=8), serving as controls, received a bolus of heparin (200 units/kg) and a bolus of t-PA (80 ,ug/kg) followed by a continuous infusion (8 ,ug/kg/min) for up to 90 minutes or until reperfusion was achieved; group 2 dogs (n = 10) received, immediately before heparin and t-PA, an intravenous bolus of SQ29548 (SQ) (0.4 mg/kg, a selective TXA2-receptor antagonist) and LY53857 (LY) (0.2 mg/kg, a selective serotonin S2-receptor antagonist); group 3 dogs (n=7) received, before heparin and t-PA, an intravenous bolus of SQ alone (0.4 mg/kg); and group 4 dogs (n=7) received, before heparin and t-PA, an intravenous bolus of LY alone (0.2 mg/kg). After thrombolysis, all dogs were monitored for 90 minutes or until a persistent reocclusion occurred. Treatment with the combination of SQ and LY markedly shortened the time required to lyse the thrombus, 46±7 compared with 15±3 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively, p<0.01; whereas either antagonist alone was not effective in accelerating the lysis, 38+8 and 43+4 minutes in groups 3 and 4, respectively,p=NS compared with group 1. In group 1 dogs, after discontinuation of t-PA, repeated cycles of gradual occlusions followed by spontaneous restorations of flow (cyclic flow variations, CFVs) were observed before a persistent reocclusion occurred. The administration of both SQ and LY immediately before heparin and t-PA completely prevented CFVs and reocclusion in all the group 2 dogs that were successfully reperfused. Neither SQ nor LY alone was effective in preventing CFVs and reocclusion. We conclude that SQ and LY in combination markedly enhance the thrombolytic efect of t-PA, probably by preventing further platelet activation and their incorporation into the thrombus during lysis. Furthermore, the combination of the two drugs is very efective in preventing reocclusion after discontinuation of t-PA. (Circulation