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Turbidimetry on Human Washed Platelets: The Effect of the Pannexin1-inhibitor Brilliant Blue FCF on Collagen-induced Aggregation
Published on: April 6, 2017
Pharmacological effect of nitroprusside on platelet aggregation
1University of Arizona Circulatory Sciences Program, Sarver Heart Center, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson.
Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) can inhibit platelet aggregation stimulated by platelet-activating factor (PAF) in a clinical setting. However, SNP does not significantly affect platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine or adenosine diphosphate (ADP).
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Platelet function and number are crucial for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.
- Nitric oxide (NO) inhibits platelet aggregation; sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is a clinical NO source.
- Investigating SNP's effect on platelet aggregation is key for its potential use in cardiopulmonary bypass.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an assay to detect SNP's effect on platelet aggregation.
- To test if clinical concentrations of SNP inhibit platelet aggregation.
- To evaluate SNP's impact on platelet aggregation induced by various agonists.
Main Methods:
- Whole blood aggregometry using the Medtronic Hepcon HMS.
- Stimulation of platelet aggregation with platelet-activating factor (PAF), epinephrine, and adenosine diphosphate (ADP).
- Addition of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) at 10(-5) M to assess its inhibitory effects.
Main Results:
- SNP (10(-5) M) significantly inhibited PAF-stimulated platelet aggregation to 82% of control (p < .05).
- SNP did not significantly affect platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine.
- SNP did not significantly affect platelet aggregation induced by ADP.
Conclusions:
- Clinical concentrations of SNP inhibit platelet aggregation mediated by PAF.
- SNP does not significantly inhibit platelet aggregation induced by ADP or epinephrine.
- SNP may have a role in preserving platelet function during cardiopulmonary bypass, specifically against PAF-induced aggregation.
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