Experimental cerebral ischemia produces platelet aggregates

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Hematology

Background:

• Transient platelet abnormalities are observed in human acute cerebral ischemia.
• The relationship between ischemia and platelet function is bidirectional.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of acute cerebral ischemia on platelet aggregation and localization in gerbils.

Main Methods:

• Gerbils underwent 1 hour of unilateral carotid artery occlusion.
• Platelet aggregation was measured in venous blood.
• 3H-serotonin labeled platelets were quantified in ischemic brain tissue.

Main Results:

• Clinically affected gerbils showed significantly higher platelet aggregation (37.8%) compared to unaffected gerbils (11.1%).
• Ischemic brain hemispheres had increased levels of labeled platelets (ipsilateral/contralateral ratio of 1.09) versus unaffected animals (1.00).
• Radioactive serotonin was primarily found within blood vessels in the ischemic brain.

Conclusions:

• Acute cerebral ischemia stimulates platelet aggregate formation.
• This platelet response may contribute to the exacerbation of the ischemic process.