Time-dependent changes in platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity, and peripheral serotonergic measures in rats subjected to water immersion restraint stress.

The effects of water immersion restraint stress on collagen-induced platelet aggregation in whole blood, and on the fibrinolytic and serotonergic systems in rats have been studied. One hour long stress caused a release of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) into the blood and a shortening of euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT), whereas restraint of longer duration was responsible for a reduction in platelet aggregation, an elevation in the activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor with a concomitant fall in tPA and a prolongation of ECLT relative to controls. Whole-blood and plasma serotonin and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were also higher in the stressed rats and whole-blood serotonin level showed a negative correlation with tPA in the stressed rats. Either stress and/or its duration are responsible for changes in both fibrinolytic and serotonergic systems.