INDUCTION OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA BY THROMBOPHERESIS IN MAN - PATTERNS OF RECOVERY IN NORMAL SUBJECTS DURING ETHANOL INGESTION AND ABSTINENCE

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 49  (2) , 197-207
Abstract
Using the technique of thrombophoresis (TP), platelet and megakaryocyte dynamics following acute thrombocytopenia were studied in 2 normal subjects during periods of ethanol ingestion and abstinence. Thrombocytopenia was induced over a period of 12 h. A logarithmic decline in platelet count during TP and the serial morphologic changes in megakaryocytes during recovery from thrombocytopenia are described. Although these parameters were not affected by ethanol ingestion, platelet counts after TP did not return to normal until ethanol was discontinued. 51Cr-labeled platelet survival was normal in 1 subject studied and no evidence of increased platelet sequestration was found. Heavy ethanol ingestion induces, augments or sustains thrombocytopenia by impairing megakaryocytopoiesis in man. The mechanism by which ethanol induces thrombocytopenia may be due, in part, to ineffective thrombopoiesis, impairment of the differentiation of precursor cells into the megakaryocytic compartment or a combination of these factors.

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