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Nitric oxide diffusion across membrane lungs protects platelets during simulated extracorporeal circulation
1Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany. dkeh@charite
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|May 7, 1999
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) protects platelets during extracorporeal circulation (ECC) by reducing platelet activation and preserving their function. This finding suggests NO can mitigate bleeding complications associated with ECC.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Hematology
Background:
- Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) devices lack protective endothelial surfaces, leading to platelet activation and bleeding.
- Platelet trapping and damage are significant complications during ECC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of transmembranous nitric oxide (NO) diffusion on platelets during simulated ECC.
Main Methods:
- Paired circuits with heparinized human blood were run for 240 minutes.
- 20 ppm of gaseous NO was added transmembranously to one circuit.
Main Results:
- Nitric oxide (NO) significantly reduced platelet trapping and activation markers (beta-thromboglobulin, platelet factor 4, soluble P-selectin).
- NO preserved platelet reactivity to ADP and adrenaline, maintaining P-selectin and glycoprotein (GP)-IIb-IIIa expression.
- No significant increase in circulating activated platelets was observed.
Conclusions:
- Transmembranous NO diffusion offers protective effects on platelets during ECC.
- NO reduces thrombocytopenia/pathia and preserves essential platelet reactivity.