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Updated: May 29, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Anti-thrombotic effects of selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen
Manasa K Nayak1, Sunil K Singh, Arnab Roy
1Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
Abstract:
Tamoxifen is a known anti-cancer drug and established estrogen receptor modulator. Few clinical studies have earlier implicated the drug in thrombotic complications attributable to lower anti-thrombin and protein S levels in plasma. However, action of tamoxifen on platelet signalling machinery has not been elucidated in detail. In the present report we show that tamoxifen is endowed with significant inhibitory property against human platelet aggregation. From a series of in vivo and in vitro studies tamoxifen was found to inhibit almost all platelet functions, prolong tail bleeding time in mouse and profoundly prevent thrombus formation at injured arterial wall in mice, as well as on collagen matrix perfused with platelet-rich plasma under arterial shear against the vehicle dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). These findings strongly suggest that tamoxifen significantly downregulates platelet responses and holds potential as a promising anti-platelet/anti-thrombotic agent.
Insights
Tamoxifen, an anti-cancer drug, significantly inhibits human platelet aggregation and function. This study suggests tamoxifen
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Tamoxifen is an anti-cancer drug and estrogen receptor modulator.
- Clinical studies suggest tamoxifen may increase thrombotic risk.
- Tamoxifen's precise effects on platelet signaling are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of tamoxifen on human platelet aggregation and function.
- To elucidate the anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic potential of tamoxifen.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies on human platelet aggregation.
- In vivo studies in mice, including tail bleeding time and thrombus formation assays.
- Assessment of platelet function under arterial shear conditions.
Main Results:
- Tamoxifen demonstrated significant inhibition of human platelet aggregation.
- Tamoxifen inhibited various platelet functions and prolonged bleeding time in mice.
- Tamoxifen prevented thrombus formation in injured arteries and on collagen matrices.
Conclusions:
- Tamoxifen possesses potent anti-platelet properties.
- Tamoxifen significantly downregulates platelet responses.
- Tamoxifen shows potential as an anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic agent.
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