Effects of estradiol on platelet aggregation in cerebral microvessels of mice

Mice were implanted subcutaneously with a pellet containing 0.5 mg estradiol or with a placebo. Eight to 12 days later platelet aggregation was produced in pial arterioles by injuring their endothelium in vivo with a noxious light/dye stimulus. The time between the onset of the noxious stimulus and the appearance of platelet aggregates was significantly shortened (p less than .02) by estradiol treatment in young (2 month old) mice. The same treatment had the opposite effect in 4-6 month old mice and significantly delayed the onset of aggregation (p = .01). When platelet rich plasma (PRP) was prepared, aggregation by sodium arachidonate was always inhibited in PRP from estradiol treated mice, irrespective of age. Estradiol treatment had no effect on aggregation induced ex vivo by ADP. Thus the enhanced aggregation observed in pial arterioles of young estradiol treated mice may not reflect direct effects of estradiol on the platelet itself. The data are discussed in light of the literature suggesting enhancement of ischemic vascular disease, including strokes, in patients receiving estrogens, and especially high doses of estrogens.