[Effects of neferine and its combination with taurine on platelet aggregation and experimental thrombosis in rats]

The effects of neferine (Nef), taurine (Tau) and Nef + Tau on platelet aggregation and generation of thrombosis were investigated in rats. Using turbidimetry Nef and Tau were found to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen or thrombin. Both drugs reduced the wet weight of experimental thrombosis. But the drugs showed no obvious effect on fibrinogen content and euglobulin lysis time. Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production induced by ADP and prostacyclin (PGI2) were studied by enzyme immunoassay in rats. TXA2 generation in platelet rich plasma from rats treated with Nef and Nef + Tau obviously decreased. While the plasma PGI2 was not affected. Nef + Tau iv in 30 min significantly decreased the level of total cholesterin in serum. The results suggest that Nef has inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and thrombosis formation. The combination of both drugs was found to be more potent than either one alone. The mechanism may be related to its reduction of TXA2 formation.