PLATELETS ARE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR PULMONARY VASCULAR PRESSOR-RESPONSE TO HYPOXIA

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 88  (3) , 412-416
Abstract
The hypoxic response in thrombocytopenic dogs was studied. Platelet depletion was achieved in 5 dogs by the use of platelet antiserum. In the normoxic state, these dogs had lower cardiac outputs and higher pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances than 5 control dogs. The pressor response to hypoxia in these dogs was not only preserved but considerably enhanced in comparison to the control dogs. Hypoxia increased the pulmonary vascular resistance 146 .+-. 17.degree. above its normoxic value in the thrombocytopenic dogs and 64 .+-. 21% in the control dogs. Platelets apparently may normally produce a dilator substance or inactivate a pressor substance during hypoxia. The mechanism of this effect is not apparent but it is clear that the pulmonary pressor response to hypoxia in the dog is not mediated by platelets.

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