[Age differences in platelet aggregation, plasma levels of prostanoid, cyclic nucleotide and lipids in Japanese]

Platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adrenaline and collagen was studied in various age groups of healthy Japanese. Plasma levels of prostanoid, cyclic nucleotide and lipid (triglyceride and cholesterol) were investigated. Platelet aggregation in females was rather high in all groups compared with males in each age group, although there was no statistical difference. Age dependent increase was not observed. Platelet aggregation response to 1 gamma of adrenaline was either high or low and the levels of collagen-induced platelet aggregation in the low responder group was also significantly lower than those of the high responder group. Positive correlation was obtained between ADP-induced platelet aggregation and serum cholesterol levels. These data suggest platelet aggregation was not influenced by aging but other biochemical or physical conditions of individuals.