Gender difference in activation of platelets in septic rats

Abstract

Objective:To investigate the influence of gender difference on the activation of platelets in septic rats.Methods: Totally 20 female and 20 male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: male sham-operated group,female sham-operated group,female septic group,and male septic group,with each group containing 10 rats.Sepsis model in the last two groups was produced by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP);rats in the sham-operated group received no CLP.The rats were sacrificed 24 hours after surgery;the blood samples were collected for blood routine test;and the serum β-TG levels were detected by ELISA assay.Serum estrogen(E2) levels were detected by radioimmunoassay.Results: The blood platelet counts were decreased in both septic rats of both genders;the count in female rats was significantly higher than in the male rats(P0.01).The serum β-TG levels were increased in septic rats of both genders;the level in the female rats was significantly lower than that in the male rats(P0.01).The blood platelets count in female or male septic rats was significantly positive correlation with the level of serum estrogen and the β-TG expression in female or male septic rats was significantly negative correlation with the level of serum estrogen(P0.05).Conclusion: There is a gender difference in the activation of platelets in septic rats,and the endogenous estrogen may have protective effect on the platelets of female septic rats.