Platelet aggregation: inhibition of secondary aggregation by phenol

Abnormal platelet function in patients with chronic renal failure has been associated with elevated levels of phenol and phenolic acids in serum. In vitro studies show inhibition of secondary aggregation by phenol, suggesting that phenol acts at the platelet release reaction. When platelet rich plasma was incubated with phenol, inhibition was found to decrease with increasing preincubation time at 37 degrees C, but not at 0 degree C. Also, the inhibitory effect of phenol in vitro was overcome by the addition of arachidonic acid. These findings demonstrate inhibition of secondary aggregation by phenol. Thus the site of the inhibitory action of phenol was at the initiation of the secondary wave of platelet aggregation.