R Rodvein | PubMed Health

PubMed1976

Physiology and ultrastructure of the blood platelet following exposure to hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide in micromolar concentrations can induce shape change in human blood platelets, and can modify the aggregation and release reaction of these cells as induced by ADP or thrombin. In larger (millimolar) concentrations, H2O2 produces fusion of platelets with distortions in platelet morphology unlike those normally caused by aggregating agents. The production of H2O2 in vivo by granulocytes or other cells could influence the processes of haemostasis or thrombosis.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1975

Aspirin revisited.

ASA is a safe drug to relieve pain, lessen fever, diminish the inflammatory reaction and treat arthritis. This drug can be given to people in a very safe soluble and buffered form which minimizes its major potential side effect: G.I. bleeding. The G.I. bleeding seen with ASA is due to its local effect on the gastric mucosa. The evidence that exists shows that ASA's effect upon the platelet does not contribute to the gastric bleeding. It is unclear to what extent those diseases mediated by thrombosis can be prevented by ASA and other platelet-suppressive drugs. Thrombosis is not equivalent to hemostasis, but is a distortion of the hemostatic process. Clinical trials are now underway but they will probably be inconclusive. Presently, the literature is contradictory and, therefore, the decision to use ASA as an anti-thrombotic durg remains with the individual physician.

Animals↗