Circulating microaggregates after gastric administration of ethanol in the pig

Earlier in vitro experiments have shown microaggregate formation in pig and rabbit blood after addition of ethanol. In this study ethanol was given to pigs resulting in ethanol concentrations of 30-40 mmol/l 2-4 h after administration. As would be expected ethanol concentration was higher in the portal vein than in the hepatic vein, caval vein or aorta. Microaggregates in circulating blood were measured with screen filtration pressure (SFP). SFP rose to more than double the initial value in ethanol-intoxicated pigs whereas it remained unchanged in controls. The ethanol-intoxicated pigs developed hemoconcentration and metabolic acidosis. Our results indicate that microaggregates probably made up of aggregated platelets are formed in pig blood during acute ethanol intoxication.