The use of β-Thromboglobulin to detect platelet damage by therapeutic ultrasound in vivo

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Abstract
Three sequential blood samples were drawn from arms of adult human volunteers by means of a cannula technique, and the plasma levels of β‐thromboglobulin (β‐TG, an index of platelet damage) were measured. Ultrasound (0.75 MHz, continuous wave; spatially averaged intensity 0.34 to 0.5 W/cm–2) was applied to the blood vessels while the second sample of each series was being taken. No elevation of β‐TG was detected, indicating that under these conditions ultrasonic irradiation had not damaged an appreciable number of platelets. There was, however, an indication of decreased platelet sensitivity following insonation; and it is postulated that this may be the result of either increased production or secretion of the potent endothelial platelet inhibitor, prostacyclin, or both.