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Enhanced shear-induced platelet aggregation in acute myocardial infarction
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan.
Circulation
|February 9, 1999
Summary
Plasma from patients with acute myocardial infarction enhances shear-induced platelet aggregation due to increased von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels. This finding may explain acute coronary thrombosis and reocclusion post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Hematology
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Platelet aggregation at high shear rates is critical for hemostasis and thrombosis.
- von Willebrand factor (vWF) binding to platelet glycoproteins (GP) Ibalpha and alphaIIbbeta3 is essential for this process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) plasma on shear-induced platelet aggregation.
- To determine the role of vWF in enhanced platelet aggregation in AMI patients.
Main Methods:
- Collected plasma from 18 AMI patients and 26 controls.
- Assessed platelet aggregation at high shear rates (10,800 s-1 and 7,200 s-1) using patient and control plasma.
- Measured vWF antigen and ristocetin cofactor activity.
Main Results:
- Platelet aggregation was significantly higher in AMI patient plasma compared to controls at high shear rates (P<0.01).
- Aggregation correlated positively with plasma vWF levels and ristocetin cofactor activity.
- vWF antigen and platelet aggregation decreased 2 weeks post-AMI.
Conclusions:
- Shear-induced platelet aggregation is enhanced in AMI plasma, likely due to elevated vWF concentrations.
- This enhanced aggregation may contribute to acute coronary artery thrombosis and reocclusion after reperfusion.
- Targeting vWF may be a therapeutic strategy for AMI patients.