[Method for collecting rat thrombocytes and determining their aggregation]

Three different methods of blood collection from rats are studied and compared, namely decapitation, catheterization of the carotid artery and puncture of the heart left ventricle. The latter method is preferable in studies of platelet aggregation. The method for isolation of washed platelets from rat blood is described in detail. The platelets stored for several hours at 20 degrees C did not lose the ability for aggregating under exposure to low concentrations of ADP. The curves of aggregation of washed and plasma platelets are provided. To study the rate of aggregation, a model is offered based on the approximation of the aggregation curves by the exponential A = A0exp (-alpha t). Such an approach made it possible to treat the data objectively and to reveal the features of platelet functional activity, particularly in arterial hypertension.