Uric acid levels and platelet function in humans. An in-vivo ex-vivo study

Platelet function (aggregation by ADP, adrenaline, collagen and circulating platelet aggregates) before, during and after dietary induction of hyperuricemia (ribonucleic acid, 3 g/day) was studied in five healthy volunteers to assess the relationship between uric acid level and platelet function. In the same subjects, during a second period of ribonucleic acid diet, the acute and chronic effects of a hypo-uricemizing agent, allopurinol, were assessed. No significant correlation was detected between platelet function and uricemia either in the absence or in the presence of pharmacological treatment with allopurinol. On the basis of these results, the well known relationship between uric acid levels and ischemic heart disease does not appear to be mediated by an exaggerated platelet function.