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Nitroglycerin prolongs the bleeding time in healthy males
Thrombosis Research
|March 15, 1983
Summary
Nitroglycerin (NTG) prolonged bleeding time in men, an effect not due to platelet inhibition. Acetylsalicylic acid counteracted this NTG effect, suggesting prostacyclin involvement.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Nitroglycerin (NTG) is a vasodilator used for angina.
- The precise mechanisms of NTG's effects on hemostasis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) on bleeding time.
- To explore the potential role of platelet aggregation and prostacyclin in NTG-induced hemostatic changes.
Main Methods:
- Administered 0.5 mg sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) to 15 healthy men (aged 25-40).
- Measured bleeding time 6 minutes post-administration.
- Assessed the impact of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on NTG's effect on bleeding time.
Main Results:
- Sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) significantly prolonged bleeding time.
- This prolongation was independent of general platelet aggregation inhibition.
- Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) administration attenuated the NTG-induced prolongation of bleeding time.
Conclusions:
- Nitroglycerin (NTG) appears to influence bleeding time through a mechanism not involving direct platelet aggregation inhibition.
- The interaction with acetylsalicylic acid suggests a role for the cyclooxygenase pathway, potentially mediated by prostacyclin, in NTG's hemostatic effects.