Effect of calcium dobesilate on platelet function.

Platelet-active drugs are of potential benefit in prevention of diabetic microangiopathy as well as other thromboembolic complications. The present investigation examines the effect of an angio-protective agent, calcium dobesilate (Doxium) on platelets and suggests its mechanism of action. Calcium dobesilate reduces aggregation and the release reaction induced by thrombin and collagen in rabbit platelets. Calcium dobesilate also increases platelet cAMP levels in vitro and ex-vivo. The experimental results indicate that the inhibitory effect of calcium dobesilate on platelet function is mediated through the cyclic AMP pathway, probably through activation of adenyl cyclase.