Smoking-induced changes in endothelium and platelets are not affected by hydroxyethylrutosides

A random-order, double-blind crossover study was carried out to compare the effects of placebo and hydroxyethylrutosides on the endothelial cell count, platelet aggregate ratio and plasma concentrations of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 in venous blood before and after smoking. Each of 24 male habitual smokers and 22 male non-smokers smoked two cigarettes during each of two 20 min periods separated by 1 week. The subjects were asked to take 600 mg of o-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides (Venoruton) or a placebo four times before each experimental smoking period and to abstain from smoking for 12 h before each period. Blood was obtained just before and after experimental smoking. The mean endothelial cell count and beta-thromboglobulin concentration increased and platelet aggregate ratio decreased to a statistically significant extent after taking placebo or rutosides while the platelet factor 4 concentration did not change significantly on either occasion. Plasma nicotine concentrations were not significantly correlated with the other variables after smoking. Neither the mean presmoking values nor smoking-induced changes in any variable were significantly affected by rutosides. The data suggest that smoking caused acute endothelial cell desquamation and enhanced platelet function which were not prevented by rutosides.