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Thrombosis and blood cells in atherosclerosis development
C Santolaya1, M R Hernández, C A Villaverde
1Departamento de Farmacología y Patología Experimental, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo de Barcelona, C.S.I.C., Spain.
Microcirculation, Endothelium, and Lymphatics
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Atherosclerosis in rats alters blood viscosity and vessel walls, impacting thrombosis. Changes in lymphocyte and granulocyte counts correlate with altered blood clotting times, suggesting their role in thrombotic events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hematology
- Pathology
Background:
- Hemorheological changes in blood cells are implicated in atheroma plaque development and thrombotic episodes.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for managing atherosclerosis complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between blood cell counts, thrombogenic situations, and mesenteric alterations in atherosclerotic rats.
- To explore how diet-induced atherosclerosis affects hemorheology and thrombosis.
Main Methods:
- Atherosclerosis was induced in rats using a two-phase atherogenic diet (hypervitaminic followed by hyperlipidic).
- Blood cell counts were determined using a Thoma's camera.
- Mesenteric morphological changes and microthrombosis were assessed using direct observation and a specific induction method.
Main Results:
- Atherosclerotic rats exhibited increased mesenteric opacity, blood viscosity, and vessel wall thickness.
- A shortened thrombosis time was observed at 3 days, indicating a thrombogenic state, followed by lengthening at 10 days.
- While total blood cell counts remained unchanged, differential leukocyte counts showed significant modifications, with lymphocytes inversely and granulocytes directly correlating with thrombosis time.
Conclusions:
- Diet-induced atherosclerosis in rats leads to significant hemorheological and morphological changes.
- Differential leukocyte counts, particularly lymphocytes and granulocytes, play a role in modulating thrombotic events in atherosclerosis.
- These findings highlight the interplay between blood cell dynamics and thrombogenicity in the context of atherosclerosis.