Effect of ionizing radiation on platelet function in vitro

The effect of ionizing radiation on platelet function was investigated in vitro. Platelet-rich plasma (300 x 10(9/1)) was irradiated with doses of 1, 4, 10, 20 and 50 Gy. Platelet function tests were performed on both irradiated and control (non-irradiated) platelet samples. The platelet function tests were (1) platelet aggregation by ADP (1, 2, 4 mumol final concentration), adrenaline and collagen, (2) ADP-release from platelets, (3) clot retraction and (4) platelet factor-3 availability. It was found that roentgen irradiation of platelets in vitro did not affect these platelet functions tests.