Platelet responses to platelet-activating factor are inhibited in alcoholics undergoing alcohol withdrawal.
Platelet aggregation, secretion of serotonin, and formation of thromboxane B2 induced by platelet-activating factor (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine) were studied in plasma containing physiological concentrations of ionized calcium in eight alcoholics after cessation of heavy drinking. Responses of platelets of four nonalcoholic volunteers, matched with a subgroup of the alcoholics by age and sex, were also investigated. Aggregation of platelets from alcoholics was significantly less throughout the 6-day detoxification period compared with controls. Secretion of serotonin (5-hydroxy-tryptamine) was negligible and the production of thromboxane B2 was not detectable. Decreased platelet aggregability in response to aggregating agents, including platelet-activating factor, may be important in the development of hemorrhagic complications in alcoholics.
Neiman
J
J
Neurology Program, Addiction Research Foundation, Toronto, Canada.
Rand
M L
ML
Jakowec
D M
DM
Packham
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006474:Hemorrhagic Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000097:blood*; D013929:Thromboxane B2 / Q000096:biosynthesis
D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D012701:Serotonin; D000431:Ethanol; D013929:Thromboxane B2; D002118:Calcium