title: Platelets in equine recurrent airway obstruction.
abstract: Platelets contribute to the pathogenesis of human allergic airway disease. The aim of this study was to compare platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced platelet aggregation and thromboxane (Tx) production, plasma Tx and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in ponies with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), an hypersensitivity to inhaled antigens, and normal ponies, before and after antigen exposure. Plasma 5-HT was significantly higher in ponies with RAO but was not further increased by antigen challenge. There was no difference between PAF-induced platelet aggregation or Tx production, or in plasma Tx before or after challenge. These data suggest there may be a difference between platelet 5-HT uptake in RAO and normal ponies but do not provide evidence of platelet activation following antigen exposure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hammond
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Marr
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Cunningham
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006736:Horses; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000662:veterinary*; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013931:Thromboxanes / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D013931:Thromboxanes; D012701:Serotonin