Biomedical subjects

M R Hernández

Publications and source records attributed to M R Hernández.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

In vitro evaluation of platelet reactivity toward annuloplasty devices treated with heparin coating: studies under flow conditions.

We have applied an in vitro perfusion model to explore the potential thrombogenicity of polyester annulolasty fabric used in valve repair and to investigate the possible thromboresistance characteristics conferred by a special heparin coating (Duraflotrade mark treatment). Samples of human blood from i) untreated or ii) heparin-coated extracorporeal circuits were recirculated through annular perfusion chambers containing a) untreated or b) treated annuloplasty cloth material. Perfusion experiments were performed at a shear rate of 600 s(-1) for 20 min. Platelet interaction with the material was morphometrically evaluated. In experiments performed with blood from untreated circuits and cloth material, the average cross-sectional area of platelet mass was 615 +/- 135 microm2. Treatment of cloth material with Duraflotrade mark statistically decreased the area of interacting platelets to 319 +/- 101 microm2 (*p < 0.05, n = 10). Blood samples from heparin-coated extracorporeal circuits showed a decrease of total area of platelets (308 +/- 58 microm2 vs 138 +/- 30 microm2, *p < 0.05, n = 9). The combined treatment of Duraflotrade mark in extracorporeal circuits and cloth material caused a more consistent reduction (p < 0.05). The in vitro perfusion experimental model was sensitive to evaluate the thrombogenic potential of Duraflotrade mark treatment. Our results indicate that the heparin coating of cloth material and extracorporeal circuits improves the biocompatibility of the original material and reduces the thrombogenic profile.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Modeling of the controlled expression of a harmful protein by a three-plasmid harboring system.

A genetically structured mathematical model was developed and used to evaluate the influence of molecular parameters involved in the expression of a harmful recombinant protein (SPA::EcoRI). The system consists of the controlled expression of the endonuclease EcoRI cloned in the plasmid pMTC48. The control is exerted by the lambda CI repressor expressed from the plasmid pRK248cIts. The deleterious effect of the activity of the enzyme EcoRI on the host DNA is prevented by the action of the EcoRI methylase that is expressed constitutively from a third plasmid, pEcoR4. The model includes molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the expression of these genes and is used to determine cultural conditions that maximize the production of the recombinant protein.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2002

Concentrates containing factor IX could improve haemostasis under conditions of thrombocytopenia: studies in an in vitro model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We explored the effect on haemostasis of different factor IX (FIX) concentrates under thrombocytopenic conditions using an in vitro perfusion technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A moderate experimental thrombocytopenia (25 000-30 000 platelets/microl) was induced by means of a filtration procedure in blood anticoagulated with low-molecular-weight heparin. The effects of three different FIX concentrates - a prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), an intermediate-purity concentrate (FIX/X), and a high-purity concentrate (HPFIX) - on platelet deposition and fibrin formation on subendothelium were assessed at two different shear rates (600/second and 1200/second). Activation of the coagulation system was monitored through assessment of prothrombin activation fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2). RESULTS: Fibrin deposition increased after addition of FIX concentrates, but only showed a significant increase in experiments performed after incubation of PCC at the lower shear rate (600/second) (64.25 +/- 9.61% vs. control 31.22 +/- 8.02%; P < 0.05). Addition of FIX concentrates caused a small increase in the percentage of platelet deposition and area of those aggregates. These differences reached levels of statistical significance in the presence of FIX/X and HPFIX in experiments performed at a shear rate of 600/second. F1 + 2 baseline values in anticoagulated thrombocytopenic blood were 1.15 +/- 0.13 nm and reached levels of 2.49 +/- 0.24 and 3.60 +/- 0.33 nm at shear rates of 600 and 1200/second, respectively. Increments in F1 + 2 observed after addition of different FIX concentrates always remained in the previous ranges. CONCLUSIONS: Data from the present study provide experimental support favouring the concept that FIX concentrates containing other activated factors could improve haemostasis under conditions of moderate thrombocytopenia.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Prohemorrhagic potential of dipyrone, ibuprofen, ketorolac, and aspirin: mechanisms associated with blood flow and erythrocyte deformability.

Dipyrone, ibuprofen, ketorolac, and aspirin were tested in a well-defined perfusion system (shear rates: 300/s, 800/s, and 1,800/s). Whole blood samples were treated with the drugs at analgesic doses and platelet interaction with damaged subendothelium was measured. All the drugs fully inhibited platelet cyclooxygenase, as assessed by classic aggregometry. Perfusion studies showed that there was a general tendency to reduce the percentage of large aggregates (thrombus; %T), to increase the percentage of adhered platelets (adhesion; %A), and to reduce the height of thrombi with respect to control. Aspirin significantly increased %A and reduced %T at all shear rates tested, whereas dipyrone had the same effect at 800/s, and ketorolac and ibuprofen at 1,800/s. In addition, aspirin significantly reduced erythrocyte deformability with respect to the other drugs. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, aspirin showed the most remarkable effects on platelet function, closely followed by dipyrone. The effects of ketorolac were moderate, whereas ibuprofen had a minor impact on platelet function.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2001

Comparison of the effects of human erythrocyte ghosts and intact erythrocytes on platelet interactions with subendothelium in flowing blood.

We investigated whether ghosts behaved similarly to intact erythrocytes to maintain regular primary hemostasis under flow conditions. To this end we performed perfusion experiments with whole blood in which erythrocytes were replaced by pink ghosts, and platelet interaction with the subendothelial surface of a damaged vessel was morphometrically evaluated. The same objective was sought by means of studies with a platelet function analyzer (PFA-100(TM) instrument). Perfusions performed with control blood reconstituted with intact erythrocytes gave rise to 0.4+/-0.2% contact but not spread platelets, 10.8+/-3.4% adhering and spread platelets, 16.3+/-4.6% platelets in thrombi, with 27.5+/-7.4% of the surface covered. Even though the average diameter of the ghosts was smaller than that of intact erythrocytes (5.3 microm vs. 7.7 microm), the values obtained in perfusions performed with ghosts were similar to those of the erythrocyte controls. Studies performed with the PFA-100(TM) analyzer were consistent with those observed in perfusion studies. The viscosity of control blood was compared with that of blood reconstituted with ghosts. At shear rates lower than 450 s(-1), the viscosity of the ghost samples was higher than that of the controls, but the difference progressively decreased as shear rate increased up to 750 s(-1) (3.61+/-0.15 and 3.71+/-0.17 cP, respectively). In conclusion, the results of our study showed that ghosts behaved similarly to intact erythrocytes in maintaining a normal platelet interaction with digested subendothelium, under conditions of moderate shear rate and constant hematocrit (40%). The rheological activity of ghosts, bodies that are metabolically less active, was sufficient for them to satisfactorily act as substitutes for intact erythrocytes in our system.

Blood Viscosity↗

PubMed2000

Infusible platelet membranes improve hemostasis in thrombocytopenic blood: experimental studies under flow conditions.

BACKGROUND: The potential hemostatic effect of infusible platelet membranes (IPM; Cyplex, Cypress Bioscience) prepared from outdated human platelets is investigated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Increasing concentrations of IPM were added to blood samples anticoagulated with low-molecular-weight heparin, in which platelets and WBC counts had been experimentally reduced by a filtration procedure. Thrombocytopenic blood with IPM was circulated in a perfusion chamber at various shear rates (300, 600, and 1200/sec(-1)), and platelet and fibrin deposition on the surface of a damaged vessel was measured. Prothrombin fragments 1 and 2 (F1+2) levels were also monitored. RESULTS: Under conditions of severe thrombocytopenia (<6000 platelets/microL) IPM did not increase platelet deposition. However, a dose-dependent increase in fibrin deposition was observed with concentrations of IPM ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg per kg in perfusions at 300 and 600 per sec(-1) (p<0.05 vs. thrombocytopenic blood). Experimental studies performed under conditions of moderate thrombocytopenia and higher shear rates (25, 000-30,000 platelets/microL; at 600 and 1200/sec(-1)) showed that IPM concentrations equivalent to 0.5 or 1 mg per kg improved fibrin deposition (33.5 +/- 9.5% and 37.7 +/- 12.8%, respectively, vs. 22.7 +/- 5.2% in controls) and also promoted a moderate increase in platelet deposition, with a concomitant significant increase in the size of platelet aggregates (p<0.05). Exposure of thrombocytopenic blood to a damaged vessel resulted in an increase of F1+2 levels from 0.8 +/- 0.15 to 1.7 +/- 0.22 nM at 300 per sec(-1) and 1.94 +/- 0.46 nM at 600 per sec(-1). Postperfusion levels of F1+2 after the addition of IPM were always similar to levels in untreated controls. CONCLUSION: IPM promotes local procoagulant activity at sites of vascular damage under conditions of severe and moderate thrombocytopenia. IPM also appears to facilitate platelet cohesive functions under conditions of moderate thrombocytopenia.

Blood Platelets↗

PubMed1999

Impaired antiplatelet effects of aspirin associated with hypoxia and ATP release from erythrocytes. Studies in a system with flowing human blood.

BACKGROUND: We have explored how hypoxic conditions may affect the antiplatelet effects of aspirin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, a perfusion system containing a damaged vessel segment was modified in order to induce hypoxia (low Po2) in flowing blood. Blood samples were incubated with 50 mumol L-1 aspirin and divided into two aliquots, one being perfused under standard conditions (normoxic) and the other under hypoxic conditions. The interaction of platelets with the subendothelium was morphometrically evaluated. RESULTS: In studies with untreated blood under normoxic conditions, platelet interaction with the subendothelium was 0.3 +/- 0.1% of contact, 5.3 +/- 1.6% of adhesion, 24.3 +/- 3.3% of thrombus and 29.9 +/- 2.7% of total covered surface. Aspirin-treated blood perfused under normoxic conditions showed a marked decrease in thrombus with a concomitant increase in both platelet adhesion and covered surface percentages. However, when aspirin-treated blood was perfused under hypoxic conditions, platelet interaction was not significantly different from that observed in untreated blood. Hypoxia induced a 10-fold increase in ATP release from erythrocytes in the perfusates. If apyrase was added to the perfusates, ATP release was prevented and aspirin effects were evident again. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that, under hypoxic conditions, the presence of aspirin would not help to inhibit further platelet activation.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1999

Effect of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 on intracellular activation and superoxide production by neutrophils.

The immunopathogenesis of AIDS is associated with the development of opportunistic infections by intracellular pathogens that can invade and reproduce freely because of impaired cellular functions. Neutrophils from asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-infected persons and from symptomatic patients with AIDS were found to retain normal phagocytosis activity while producing significantly less superoxide than neutrophils from HIV-1-negative subjects, when stimulated through Fc receptors or protein kinase C. After priming with a synthetic HIV-1 envelope peptide and stimulation via the Fc receptor, the neutrophils from HIV-1-negative controls had suppressed superoxide production, reduced phosphorylation of two unidentified cellular proteins, and increased expression of a third phosphoprotein. These results suggest that HIV-1 can produce direct functional damage of neutrophils through binding of envelope components to the cell membrane.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Characterization of 3-nitropropionic acid-induced bradycardia in isolated atria.

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) was identified as the toxic component of several plants and fungi. Recently, it was described that 3-NPA produced hypotension, accompanied by a paradoxical bradycardia. In this study, we identified a possible mechanism of action, explaining the effect of 3-NPA on cardiac tissue. We used isolated, spontaneously beating atria and heart mitochondria to measure electrophysiological properties and mitochondrial oxygen consumption. We also measured Na+/K+ ATPase activity and intracellular ATP levels. In isolated spontaneously beating atria, 3-NPA (10(-4) M) decreased heart rate by 62 +/- 3%. This agent did not affect the amplitude or duration of action potentials. The duration of intervals between two action potentials, however, was prolonged from 530 +/- 285 to 1400 +/- 600 ms after 3-NPA exposure (10(-2) M). Oxygen consumption by heart mitochondria was inhibited by 3-NPA when either malate/glutamate or succinate were used as metabolism substrates. Cytochrome C oxidase activity was not affected by 3-NPA. Finally, atrial ATP content decreased 65 +/- 3% after 3-NPA treatment. In conclusion, we show that 3-NPA decreases atrial rate by increasing the action potential phase 4, probably by inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, thereby decreasing cardiac ATP content. This suggests that 3-NPA-induced bradycardia may be related to intracellular ATP depletion.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1998

Frozen extracellular matrix preserves its thrombogenicity after thawing, while Matrigel induces a poor platelet response.

Two putative substitutes for fresh endothelial cell (EC) extracellular matrix (ECM), frozen ECM and Matrigel, were studied using a parallel-plate perfusion system and platelet deposition was evaluated morphometrically. Coverslips covered with ECM were stored frozen at-30 C for 0 (fresh ECM), 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks. The ability of frozen ECM to support platelet adhesion after freezing was analyzed under three experimental approaches, perfusing blood: (i) at different shear rates; (ii) on a highly reactive ECM obtained from stimulated EC; and (iii) on ECM incubated with a monoclonal antibody against laminin (LM). Matrigel, alone or mixed with different fractions of wet cryoprecipitate, was layered on coverslips as a thin uniform coat, and perfused, as was done with the frozen ECM. Platelet deposition onto fresh ECM was 21.3 1.5%, 25.5 2.1% and 30.8 2.4% (at shear rates of 300, 800 and 1300/s, respectively) and 40.0 3.8% in PMA stimulated ECM perfused at 800/s. Values obtained on frozen ECM did not vary from those obtained using fresh ECM. Results from perfusion studies using ECM preincubated with an anti-laminin antibody and observations from immunofluorescence studies indicated that the presence and distribution of the adhesive proteins in frozen ECM were similar to those observed on fresh ECM. Platelet deposition on Matrigel was practically absent. Addition of a 20% cryoprecipitate fraction partially restored its thrombogenicity. Our results indicate that when ECM is kept frozen for up to 4 weeks, it behaves as fresh ECM in perfusion studies. On the contrary, Matrigel is not a suitable substrate to support platelet attachment under flow conditions.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1998

Platelet-leukocyte activation during hemodialysis detected with a monoclonal antibody to leukocyte integrin CD11b.

Platelet activation is commonly monitored with a battery of monoclonal antibodies against different platelet epitopes with controversial results. The transient expression of platelet markers and their role mediating interactions with other cells could easily explain these discrepancies. The present study has evaluated whether the analysis of a leukocyte activation antigen (CD11b) could provide more reliable results than detection of platelet activation markers. Cytometric techniques with specific monoclonal antibodies were used to compare the reliability of platelet and leukocyte markers to detect activation. Modifications in the presence of platelet glycoproteins GPIb (CD42b), GPIIIa (CD41) and GPIV (CD36), expression of specific platelet markers (P-selectin (CD62P) and lysosomal protein (CD63)) and leukocyte integrin (CD11b) were assessed during hemodialysis. Platelet antigens remained in uremic patients at levels similar or slightly above those detected in a group of healthy subjects. Modifications of platelet antigens during hemodialysis produced inconclusive results. However, numbers of leukocytes expressing CD11b increased progressively during hemodialysis (17.2 +/- 5.1% at 15 min and 21.3 +/- 6.6% at 2 h, p < 0.05, vs. baseline 6.9 +/- 0.2%). The hemodialysis procedure caused an increased formation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates. Detection of leukocyte CD11b may be a useful marker of overall cellular activation during the hemodialysis procedure.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

[Comparative efficiency of 1 direct and 2 indirect methods for the detection of differences in erythrocyte aggregation, in normal blood and in blood with echinocytosis].

BACKGROUND: There are many different methods for assessing red cell aggregation, but they have been evaluated in isolated form. The aim of this work was to compare the efficacy and reliability of three different methods for evaluating red cell aggregation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood was drawn on trisodium citrate, and after removal of platelet-rich plasma, the red cell were washed with sodium chloride, and blood was reconstituted until a haematocrit of 40% was achieved. Aspirin or dipyridamole were added, the latter for inducing echinocyte formation. Three methods of assessment of red cell aggregation were used; two of them, indirect, were based upon blood viscosimetry under shear rates indices, and sedimentation rate of centrifuged blood. The third, direct method was based on microscope observation of aggregation and digital analysis of its images for statistical evaluation. Both descriptive methods and analysis of variance were used. RESULTS: The addition of aspirin and dipyridamole increased blood viscosity with respect to the control (p < 0.001 and p < 0.005, respectively), thus showing increased red cell aggregation. Sedimentation rate was also increased, with, statistical significance in the case of dipyridamole (p < 0.05). Digital analysis of images showed significant increase of red cell aggregation with aspirin (37.48 +/- 2.16 vs 27.99 +/- 1.55 in controls, p < 0.05). The presence of dipyridamole-induced echinocytes impeded an adequate evaluation of red cell aggregation indices. CONCLUSION: It was included from these studies that blood viscosimetry proved to be as efficient as digital analysis of images for assessing the differences in red cell aggregation. Nevertheless, microscope examination was necessary for a correct evaluation of this phenomenon, and the presence of echinocytes invalidated any attempt to compare red cell aggregation with respect to normal blood.

Aspirin↗

PubMed1996

Red blood cell aggregability is increased by aspirin and flow stress, whereas dipyridamole induces cell shape alterations: measurements by digital image analysis.

We evaluated the influence of pretreatment with aspirin in vitro, alone or combined with dipyridamole, on red cell aggregability. Samples were tested before and after being exposed to well-defined flow conditions. An aggregation rate was estimated through digital analysis of light microscopy images. Red cells of untreated blood that had been exposed to flow showed a higher aggregation rate (38.54 +/- 1.63 vs. 27.52 +/- 1.36; P < 0.05). This effect was not observed in the absence of platelets. Treatment with aspirin induced a high aggregation rate, with or without exposure to flow conditions. Dipyridamole alone or combined with aspirin provoked echinocytosis, disturbing the rouleaux arrangement (rates ranging from 11.25 +/- 1.91 - 13.62 +/- 1.62). Washing red cells after treatment restored about 90% of echinocytes to their biconcave shape, but aggregation rate did not recover in parallel. These results highlight the influence of red cell-platelet interactions in the regulation of haemostasis and show how therapeutic agents can interfere with rheological phenomena.

Aspirin↗

PubMed1996

[Erythrocytes modulate the anti-aggregation effect of aspirin and dipyridamole. Study under static conditions and in a flow system].

PURPOSE: The modulating role played by red cells on platelet function is well known, yet its mechanism of action in the presence of antiaggregating agents is not clearly defined. We tried to assess the influence of aspirin (ASA) or dipyridamole (DIP) treated red cells on platelet aggregation in plasma, with the samples in static conditions and under flow in a perfusion system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was adjusted to 4 x 10(9)/L. Red cells were washed with a 0.9% sodium chloride and 5mM glucose solution, then resuspended in PRP until a 40% haematocrit was attained. The drugs were added separately or together and the mixture was incubated for 10 minutes at 37 degrees C. Three series of tests were carried out: a) with reconstituted blood; b) with red cells alone; c) with the red cells washed in a 10-fold volume so as to eliminate all the drugs. The samples were divided in two parts: one was let to rest and the other was circulated through a perfusion system with a peristaltic pump. Simultaneous tests with untreated red cells and PRP were run as control in each session. A multichannel aggregameter was used to assess platelet aggregation according to Born's turbidimetric method. Variance analysis (ANOVA) or Student's t test were used for the statistical evaluation. RESULTS: Platelets attained from control samples under flow conditions showed partial inhibition of the maximal aggregation (58.02 +/- 9.92%). The inhibitory power of ASA was higher than that of DIP in all cases. Aggregation was totally inhibited by ASA from the beginning in treated whole blood, but the inhibitory effect appeared later when working with red cells alone, suggesting that red cells must retain part of the drug, which cannot exert its effect until it has been released after several minutes. The inhibition of platelet aggregation when working with washed treated red cells was more effective under flow conditions, chiefly with combined treatment with ASA+DIP. CONCLUSION: These studies stress the importance of flow conditions in the red cells-platelets interaction and in the regulation of the therapeutic agents used to modify platelet function.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1995

Platelet concentrates promote procoagulant activity: evidence from experimental studies using a perfusion technique.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the hemostatic effectiveness of platelet transfusions is difficult. Perfusion methods have been employed to test the quality and function of platelet concentrates, allowing differentiation between platelet-platelet and platelet-surface interactions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A study was performed to investigate platelet adhesive and cohesive properties as well as the formation of fibrin when aliquots of platelet concentrates were added to thrombocytopenic blood. Blood previously anticoagulated with low-molecular-weight heparin (20 U/mL) underwent platelet and white cell reduction by filtration. Perfusates were prepared by adding to filtered blood platelets obtained from standard concentrates (stored for 1, 3, and 5 days). The final platelet count in these perfusates was standardized at 80,000 per microL. After perfusions, platelet-subendothelium interaction and fibrin formation were analyzed morphometrically. Results were always compared with those obtained in unfiltered blood (> 150,000 platelets/microL). RESULTS: A slight impairment in the ability of stored platelets to interact with the subendothelium was noticed during the storage period. However, the presence of fibrin was significantly greater than that observed in studies with unfiltered blood (Day 1 = 23.48 +/- 9.43%*; Day 3 = 26.99 +/- 6.74%*; Day 5 = 17.95 +/- 9.06% vs. unfiltered blood = 12.60 +/- 3.08%; *p < 0.05). The lower platelet counts (80,000/microL) in the perfusates containing platelets from concentrates could account for the reduced platelet-subendothelium interactions, but they cannot explain the increments in fibrin formation. CONCLUSION: While the preparation and storage of platelets have a detrimental effect on platelet adhesiveness, such procedures can positively influence the platelet procoagulant activity necessary to platelet hemostasis.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Reduced red cell deformability associated with blood flow and platelet activation: improved by dipyridamole alone or combined with aspirin.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of blood flow in red blood cell deformability and determine whether it is associated with the release of ATP by red cells. METHODS: A perfusion system was employed to mimic the blood flow conditions. Red cell treatment in vitro with dipyridamole or aspirin, either alone or combined, was performed either on red cells alone prior to blood reconstitution or on already reconstituted blood. Blood viscosity at shear rates of 90 and 450 s-1 was measured, before and after perfusion, by means of a cone/plate viscometer. Red cell deformability was estimated as the magnitude of the slope between these two values of viscosity. ATP level in platelet-free plasma was measured by the firefly luciferase assay, and was used to monitor dipyridamole-induced blockade of ATP efflux by red cells. RESULTS: In control experiments, red cells became more rigid after perfusion (slope values: 0.62 +/- 0.09 vs 0.40 +/- 0.04; P < 0.05). Absence of platelets or treatment of red cells with aspirin and/or dipyridamole prevented dipyridamole prevented the increased stiffness of red cells observed after exposure of blood to flow conditions. Moreover, a significant increase in red cell deformability was observed when blood was treated with dipyridamole alone or combined with aspirin (0.69 +/- 0.07 and 0.65 +/- 0.05 respectively vs. 0.40 +/- 0.04; P < 0.05). Treatment with dipyridamole alone or combined with aspirin caused a decrease in ATP levels. Statistical significance was reached when red cells alone were treated with dipyridamole alone (45.8 +/- 2.8 vs. 173.3 +/- 47.6 ng ATP/ml; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Flow stress induced a decrease in red cell deformability probably linked to platelet activation. Treatment with dipyridamole alone or associated with aspirin eliminated the effect of flow, increasing red cell deformability. Under our experimental conditions, modifications could not be ascribed to red cell-released ATP. Our results emphasize the importance of blood flow conditions to evaluate RBC deformability.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1993

[Potentiation of the antiplatelet effect of dipyridamole and aspirin by erythrocytes. Study under flow conditions].

PURPOSE: To assess, by means of a morphometric method, the interaction of platelets with subendothelium, as induced by perfusion with the Baumgartner system, and to compare the antiplatelet effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and dipyridamole (DIP) and the combination of both drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples were drawn from healthy volunteers and platelet-rich plasma specimens were prepared at a concentration of 4 x 10(8)/mL. Abdominal aorta segments were obtained from New Zealand rabbits, they being deprived of endothelium by alpha-chymotrypsin. Red cells and platelets were separately or conjointly treated on reconstituted whole blood using ASA and DIP at therapeutic doses, separately or in association. Perfusion experiences were carried out in Baumgartner's annular chamber. Upon finishing the studies, the aorta segments were morphometrically evaluated by an optic analysis system attached to a computer with an automatic image recognition programme. The statistical analysis was performed with Student's t test, differences between groups of p < 0.05 being assigned significance. RESULTS: Treatment with the association ASA-DIP was the only one to significantly reduce interaction, as both the size of aggregates and the extent of the covered surface decreased when whole blood was treated, and only the covered surface did when red cells were separately treated. When treating only platelets, the reduction of aggregates had no significance. CONCLUSION: The synergism of ASA and DIP in antiplatelet therapy was confirmed, as well as the important enhancing effect exerted by red cells.

Adenosine↗

PubMed1988

Thrombosis and blood cells in atherosclerosis development.

Hemorheological changes produced in blood cells seem to be essential in atheroma plaque development and thrombotic episodes. In this study, we investigated the relationship between blood cells count, thrombogenic situations and morphological mesenteric alterations in atherosclerotic rats. Atherosclerosis was induced by an atherogenic diet made up of two phases, the first a hypervitaminic diet, and the second a hyperlipidic one. Cell counts were performed with Thoma's camera. Morphological changes were observed directly in rat mesentery. Thrombogenic situations were investigated by a mesenteric microthrombosis induction method. In atherosclerotic animals we can observe a higher mesenteric opacity, increase in blood viscosity and a thickness in vessel wall. Thrombosis time is shortened at 3 days, which indicates a thrombogenic situation although at 10 days there is a lenthening in this parameter. Blood cell counts were not modified significantly, but modifications in differential leukocyte counts were significant. We found a direct relationship between lymphocyte number and thrombosis time whereas with granulocytes this relationship was inverse: shortening in thrombosis time appearing simultaneously with an increase in cell number.

Animals↗