Antiaggregation effect of alum on human platelets.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of alum on human platelet aggregation.


METHODS
Platelet-rich plasma fractions were prepared from fresh blood drawn from a group of healthy male volunteers. Platelet aggregation was induced by various inducers. The percent aggregation was recorded in the absence and presence of various concentrations of alum.


RESULTS
Alum at concentrations less than 1.5 mg/ml inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, epinephrine. ADP and thrombin in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50s were 0.668, 0.324, 0.250 and 0.191 mg/ml of alum, for collagen-, epinephrine-, ADP- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, respectively. In contrast, alum at concentrations up to 1.5 mg/ml did not inhibit ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation.


CONCLUSIONS
Alum has an anti-platelet action and should be used cautiously in the treatment of intractable intravesical hemorrhage. Alum is a cheap anti-platelet drug that needs further investigation.
Mohammed
F I
FI
Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman. fmmed@ju.edu.jo
Shafagoj
Y A
YA
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000534:Alum Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects*; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000534:Alum Compounds; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; C041524:aluminum sulfate