Ultrastructural Morphology of Platelets and Fibrin Networks of Lactating and Non-Pregnant Rabbits

Abstract

Platelets and fibrin play an important role in the coagulation process where they are involved in the maintenance of haemostasis. Fibrin dysfunction is associated with the development of vascular complications, while proneness to the formation of tight and rigid fibrin networks is independently associated with thrombotic disease. Rabbits have long been used successfully as animal models, and are often the species of choice for models of antithrombotic efficacy. It was previously shown that rabbit and human platelet and fibrin morphology are very similar in ultrastructure and fibrin fibre thickness. It was also previously reported that the thin minor fibres forms a thick fine network cover over the major fibres during pregnancy. According to research, white blood cell counts also changes during pregnancy and stays changed for up to 6 weeks post-partum; where the number of neutrophils increased, and the number of lymphocytes, basophils and eosinophils decreased. Here, we show that the same ultrastructure and white blood cell count changes occur in lactating rabbits (4 weeks post-partum). We therefore suggest that a rabbit morphology model studying platelet and fibrin morphology can be used successfully, either to study the effect of pharmaceutical products to be used during lactation and pregnancy in humans, or used in veterinary research. Furthermore, the effects of pharmaceutical products on immunology and white blood cell counts can possibly also be used successfully.