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Aggregation of killer whale platelets

W R Patterson1, L M Dalton, D L McGlasson

  • 1Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas 78236.

Thrombosis Research
|May 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Killer whale platelets show reduced aggregation to certain stimulants, potentially preventing thrombosis during deep-sea dives. This unique platelet function may protect these marine mammals from bleeding issues.

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Mammal Physiology
  • Hematology
  • Comparative Biology

Background:

  • Platelet aggregation is vital for hemostasis in mammals.
  • Platelet function is sensitive to various physiological and non-physiological stimuli, including pressure changes.
  • Killer whales exhibit unusual hemostatic responses during deep-sea diving, lacking adverse platelet reactions or bleeding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the unique platelet aggregation response in killer whales.
  • To determine if killer whale platelet function differs from humans, particularly in response to diving-related pressures and common agonists.
  • To explore the potential protective mechanisms against thrombosis in killer whales.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed killer whale platelet aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), platelet-activating factor (PAF), arachidonic acid, collagen, calcium ionophore A23187, epinephrine, and ristocetin.
  • Measured thromboxane production by killer whale platelets.
  • Compared killer whale platelet responses to human platelet responses.

Main Results:

  • Killer whale platelets showed transient aggregation (2-5 minutes) with ADP, PAF, and arachidonic acid, followed by disaggregation at 10 minutes.
  • Collagen- and A23187-induced aggregation were normal and complete within 10 minutes.
  • No response to epinephrine or ristocetin was observed. Thromboxane production was comparable to humans for ADP/PAF and higher for collagen.

Conclusions:

  • Killer whale platelets exhibit a reduced aggregation response to several key agonists, which is not linked to thromboxane generation.
  • This unique platelet behavior may be an adaptation to prevent thrombosis during the extreme pressure changes associated with diving.
  • The findings suggest a specialized hemostatic mechanism in killer whales that balances hemostasis with protection against thrombotic events.

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