Conjunctive effects of the 5HT(2) receptor antagonist, sarpogrelate, on thrombolysis with modified tissue plasminogen...

The effect of the serotonin (5HT(2)) receptor antagonist, sarpogrelate, was compared with that of the selective thrombin inhibitor, argatroban, in modified tissue plasminogen activator (mt-PA)-induced thrombolysis using two laser-induced thrombosis models reflecting different levels of vascular endothelial cell damage. Bolus intravenous infusions of mt-PA (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mg/kg) induced thrombolysis in a dose-dependent manner. Sarpogrelate (4.7 mg/kg b.i. + 1.0 mg/kg/h i.v.) given together with mt-PA (0.2 mg/kg b.i.) optimally enhanced thrombolysis (p < 0.05) in a helium-neon laser-induced model where endothelial damage was minimal but not in an argon laser model where desquamation of endothelial cells was recognized. In contrast, argatroban (0.5 mg/kg b.i. + 0.1 mg/kg/h i.v.) given with mt-PA (0.2 mg/kg b.i.) significantly enhanced thrombolysis in both laser models. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of sarpogrelate in thrombolytic therapy might depend on the extent of vascular damage.