Effect of desmopressin on plasma factor VIII and von Willebrand factor concentrations in Greyhounds.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of 1-Deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin on plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII in Greyhound blood donors, and to compare the response of 1-Deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin injection on plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor between groups with different resting plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor.

ANIMALS

Fifteen Greyhound blood donors were used. Dogs were grouped into three categories depending on their von Willebrand factor concentrations.

PROCEDURE

Desmopressin was administered subcutaneously at 1 microgram/kg [corrected] to all dogs. Plasma von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations were measured before and 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after desmopressin injection.

RESULTS

The von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations in all dogs increased significantly and remained higher than base-line throughout the 2 h period.

CONCLUSION

Desmopressin is useful in increasing von Willebrand factor concentrations in Greyhound blood donors, including those with low resting concentrations.