Antiplatelet drugs and the generalized Shwartzman reaction in the pregnant rat.

Several antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, sulfinpyrazone, hydroxychloroquine, dipyridamole, BL-3459, pyridinolcarbamate) were assayed for their ability to prevent the generalized Shwartzman reaction initiated by endotoxin in the pregnant rat, and compared to glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone). The drugs were administered in a single large dose a few hours before provocation of the reaction. In opposition to glucocorticoids and beside BL-3459 which interfere with other mechanisms involved in the phenomenon, the tested inhibitors of platelet aggregation were found incapable of preventing or reducing the severity of the Shwartzman reaction.