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A functional study of platelets in menstrual fluid.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Menstrual platelets do not aggregate or produce thromboxane B2, unlike venous platelets. However, menstrual serum can induce aggregation in venous platelets, suggesting a serum factor influences platelet function during menstruation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis and thrombosis.
- Menstruation involves significant physiological changes, but platelet function during this period is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional differences between platelets derived from menstrual blood and peripheral venous blood.
- To explore the metabolism of arachidonic acid and aggregation response of menstrual platelets.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of platelets from menstrual and peripheral venous blood of nine women.
- Assessment of platelet aggregation in response to arachidonic acid, ADP, and collagen.
- Measurement of thromboxane B2 release as an indicator of cyclo-oxygenase activity.
Main Results:
- Menstrual platelets exhibited impaired aggregation and failed to produce thromboxane B2 from arachidonic acid.
- Peripheral venous platelets showed normal aggregation and thromboxane B2 production.
- Incubation with menstrual serum induced aggregation in peripheral venous platelets, indicating a potential serum factor.
- Uterine venous platelets collected during hysterectomy aggregated normally.
Conclusions:
- Platelets in menstrual blood possess distinct functional deficits compared to peripheral venous platelets.
- A factor present in menstrual serum may modulate platelet aggregation.
- The observed platelet dysfunction is specific to menstrual blood platelets and not indicative of a systemic issue.