Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on plasma thromboxane B2 and platelet aggregation in man

The effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on plasma thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and platelet aggregation was studied in 12 healthy, non-smoking, male students, in a double-blind, cross-over study, after single doses and 14-days on ASA 50, 100, 250 and 1000 mg/day. Platelet production of TXA2 was assessed by measuring the thromboxane B2 (TXB2) content of clotted venous blood by RIA. Platelet aggregation induced by ADP and adrenaline was studied by the method of Born. All doses of ASA completely suppressed the production of TXB2 within 3 h, with the exception of the 50 mg dose, which effected only 61% suppression (p less than 0.001). After administration for 14 days the suppression was complete, even including the lowest dose. At that time ASA had blocked the secondary phase of adrenaline- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation. It is concluded that the maximal antithromboxane and antiaggregatory effects, which last for at least 24 h, can be achieved by continuous daily administration of ASA 50 mg.