Platelet factor 4 as a marker of platelet activation in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

The aim of the present study was evaluate dynamics of platelet factor 4, as a marker of platelet activation, in patients with acute myocardial infarction according to the disease duration and type of treatment. In the recent years much attention has been paid to the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of ischaemic disease and myocardial infarction. Rupture or splitting of atheroma and increased platelet activation are a direct cause of acute thrombotic process in coronary vessels. During platelet activation alpha granules release proteins, e.g. platelet factor 4 (PF 4). We investigated 29 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI); the patients were divided into two groups: group A--15 patients treated with heparin and aspirin; group B--14 patients treated with streptokinase, heparin and aspirin. Control group (C) consisted of 21 healthy subjects. PF 4 concentration was determined on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 8th, 11th day of MI using the immunoenzymatic method. Our results indicate that in the course of myocardial infarction there is a change in the platelet factor 4 and that thrombolytic therapy inhibits platelet activation.