[Potentiation of the antiplatelet effect of dipyridamole and aspirin by erythrocytes. Study under flow conditions].

PURPOSE

To assess, by means of a morphometric method, the interaction of platelets with subendothelium, as induced by perfusion with the Baumgartner system, and to compare the antiplatelet effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and dipyridamole (DIP) and the combination of both drugs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Blood samples were drawn from healthy volunteers and platelet-rich plasma specimens were prepared at a concentration of 4 x 10(8)/mL. Abdominal aorta segments were obtained from New Zealand rabbits, they being deprived of endothelium by alpha-chymotrypsin. Red cells and platelets were separately or conjointly treated on reconstituted whole blood using ASA and DIP at therapeutic doses, separately or in association. Perfusion experiences were carried out in Baumgartner's annular chamber. Upon finishing the studies, the aorta segments were morphometrically evaluated by an optic analysis system attached to a computer with an automatic image recognition programme. The statistical analysis was performed with Student's t test, differences between groups of p < 0.05 being assigned significance.

RESULTS

Treatment with the association ASA-DIP was the only one to significantly reduce interaction, as both the size of aggregates and the extent of the covered surface decreased when whole blood was treated, and only the covered surface did when red cells were separately treated. When treating only platelets, the reduction of aggregates had no significance.

CONCLUSION

The synergism of ASA and DIP in antiplatelet therapy was confirmed, as well as the important enhancing effect exerted by red cells.