Stimulation of human platelets by carrageenans

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Abstract
The rank order of four carrageenans tested as inducers of human platelet aggregation was the same (iota > lambda > gelcarin > kappa) as their relative inflammatory potencies in vivo. All four carrageenans caused some precipitation of plasma proteins, and induced aggregation in platelet-rich plasma or washed platelet suspensions. The second phase of aggregation was citrate-dependent and associated with secretion of 5-hydroxytryptamine and lysosomal enzymes. Platelets could provide a useful model for investigating the actions of carrageenans on cell membranes.