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A Scanning Electron Microscopic Investigation of Effects of Prostacyclin on Platelet Retention in Glass Bead Columns
Author(s) -
Ts'ao C.,
Krajewski D.,
Ng A.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0036-553X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1982.tb02116.x
Subject(s) - platelet , prostacyclin , platelet adhesiveness , chemistry , adhesion , platelet aggregation , platelet adhesion , whole blood , biophysics , bead , chromatography , scanning electron microscope , biochemistry , medicine , materials science , composite material , biology , organic chemistry
As whole blood passes through a column of glass beads, platelets are activated and all 3 basic platelet properties (adhesion, release reaction and aggregation) displayed, an aspect similar to platelets being involved in a hemostatic process. For this reason, we chose the platelet retention test as the tool to study the effect of synthetic prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) on platelet function and behavior. PGI 2 inhibited platelet retention with its major impact on platelet aggregation. The extent of inhibition was not proportional to the concentration of PGI 2 . It appears that 2 levels of platelet aggregation take place inside the column. One, triggered by a weak stimulus, is readily inhibitable by low concentrations of PGI 2 . The other, brought about by a strong stimulus, requires higher concentrations of PGI 2 to achieve complete inhibition. Even with as much as 100 ng PGI 2 /ml blood, a 15% retention remained which probably represented platelet adhesion to glass beads. Scanning electron microscopic examination of glass beads showed massive platelet aggregation and adhesion in control blood samples. No platelet aggregate was observed on beads filtered with blood containing 20 ng/ml or more PGI 2 . Individual platelets were found on glass beads filtered with samples containing any concentration of PGI 2 ; these platelets exhibited extensive morphologic changes.