title: Direct platelet effect of low molecular weight dextran in small calibre PTFE grafts.
abstract: The thrombogenicity of synthetic vascular grafts is a major factor in occlusion of grafts when they are used to bypass small calibre arteries. In this paper, the effect of low molecular weight dextran (LMWD, Dextran-40) on graft surface-platelet interaction was studied using Indium-III-oxine labelled platelets. It was found that LMWD significantly reduced platelet deposition onto graft surfaces (P less than 0.001). Dextran had a direct antiplatelet effect independent of plasma volume expansion as dextran-soaked grafts significantly reduced platelet deposition when compared to systemic dextran administration (P less than 0.001). We therefore conclude that LMWD has a direct antiplatelet effect which is beneficial in reducing platelet deposition on synthetic PTFE grafts which may improve the early patency of such grafts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nazzal
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Owunwanne
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Christenson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D003911:Dextrans / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007205:Indium Radioisotopes; D010973:Platelet Adhesiveness / Q000187:drug effects; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D012756:Sheep; D013499:Surface Properties; D014654:Vascular Patency / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D003911:Dextrans; D007205:Indium Radioisotopes; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene