The effect of bovine lung heparin on normal human platelets as measured by electronic particle size analysis.

The response of normal human platelets to treatment with bovine lung heparin was evaluated using electronic particle size analysis and aggregometry. Samples for electronic particle size analysis were obtained both before and after the addition of heparin to platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The number of single platelets decreased significantly after the addition of heparin to PRP obtained from 22 individuals. This decrease averaged 18% in 19 samples which did not show a significant increase in transmittance and was at least 70% in 3 samples which showed a significant increase in transmittance. The size distribution of single platelets was not significantly altered. In addition, electron microscopic examination revealed that platelets treated with heparin are activated.