Changes in platelet aggregability after ovariectomy

Changes in platelets in 48 patients with uterine myoma before and after hysterectomy with and without ovariectomy were examined. Bilateral ovariectomy in 25 cases (ovariectomized group) and unilateral or non-ovariectomy in 23 cases (control group) were performed at the hysterectomy. Platelet count and an appearance rate of secondary aggregation decreased at one day after and increased at one week after the operation, similarly in both the ovariectomized and the control group. The appearance rate of secondary aggregation was reflected in an intensity of aggregation at 5 min after the addition of reagent to PRP. At one month after the operation, the appearance rate of secondary aggregation induced by 3 microM ADP showed a statistically significant decrease in comparison with the preoperation value (P less than 0.05) and the enhancement of 5-min aggregation was still observed in the control group, while ceased in the ovariectomized group. The difference between the two groups was significant (P less than 0.05). There was almost no change in the speed and intensity of primary and secondary aggregation during the observation period. No significant differences in collagen-induced aggregation were noted between the two groups. The results suggest that ovarian hormones, mainly estrogen, facilitate platelet activation which is mediated by the so-called secondary aggregation.