Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
Published on: October 22, 2014
Blood platelet activity in men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
Zeki Bayraktar1, Selami Albayrak
1Istanbul Medipol University, School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Istanbul. zbayraktar@medipol.edu.tr.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the platelet activity in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).
Materials And Methods:
The total blood count, including hemoglobin (Hgb), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) parameters were measured in the patient (n = 70) and control groups (n = 50).
Results:
The average age was 48.1 ± 11.7 and 47.6 ± 12.3 in the patient and control groups (p = 0.8217), respectively. MPV was higher in the patient group and there was a statistically significant difference between two groups (11.27 ± 0.56 and 9.8 ± 0.91, p < 0.0001). PLT counts were lower in the patient group but there was not a statistically significant difference (196.23 ± 37.01 and 209.07 ± 36.71, p = 0.0626). In terms of haemoglobin, WBC and RBC values, there was no difference in the patient and control groups.
Conclusions:
Finding high MPV, which reflects the platelet activity, in the patient group shows that platelets also have a role in the VED etiopathogenesis. In the case of the confirmation of this result with additional studies, the efficiency of anti-platelet therapy in the vasculogenic ED should also be researched.
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...

