title: Enhanced platelet reactivity in heartworm-infected dogs.
abstract: Platelet number, mean platelet volume, and platelet function were evaluated in 34 clinically normal dogs and 28 heartworm-infected (HWI) dogs. Mean platelet numbers for dogs of the HWI group was not significantly lower than those for dogs of the control group (214,000 vs 254,000 cells/microliter); however, 6 (21%) HWI dogs had platelet numbers less than 150,000/microliter, compared with only 2 (6%) heartworm-negative dogs. The mean platelet volume was not significantly different (7.8 vs 7.7 fl) between the 2 groups of dogs. Mean platelet aggregation responses to intermediate and low concentrations of collagen (3.0 and 1.5 micrograms) and to high, intermediate, and low concentrations of ADP (25, 10, and 5 microM) were greater in dogs of the HWI group. Mean platelet 14C-serotonin release was also greater in HWI dogs in response to high concentration of ADP (25 microM) and to intermediate concentration of collagen (3.0 micrograms).
authors: Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849-5519.
authors: M K
authors: MK
authors: Boudreaux
authors: A R
authors: AR
authors: Dillon
authors: J S
authors: JS
authors: Spano
mesh_terms: D000244:Adenosine Diphosphate / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000494:pharmacology; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000097:blood / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000662:veterinary; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin; D000244:Adenosine Diphosphate; D003094:Collagen