Platelet aggregation and thromboxane release induced by arachidonic acid, collagen, ADP and platelet-activating factor following low dose acetylsalicylic acid in man

Abstract

The present study was undertaken in order to characterize the dose-dependent nature of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on platelet aggregation and plasma thromboxane B 2 (TXB 2) release in healthy volunteers. Volunteers received either 25, 50, 100 or 500 mg daily for five consecutive days. At the end of the five day period, all dosages of ASA were capable of completely suppressing TXB 2 production and arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation. At that time, the second phase of ADP-induced aggregation was also blocked. However, while the inhibition following 500 mg ASA was complete after 24 hours, total inhibition with 100, 50 and 25 mg was attained only after two, three and four days, respectively, indicating the cumulative effect of ASA on platelets. Aggregation induced by collagen was also inhibited dose-dependently- yet slower and at no time complete. ASA had no inhibitory effect on aggregation by platelet-activating factor (PAF). It is concluded that a daily dose of 50 mg ASA would suffice in blocking platelet TXA 2 production and aggregation induced by most physiological agents.