Studies on Adhesive Index of the Platelet in Experimental Atherosclerosis in the Rabbits

Abstract

Adhesive index of the platelet by the use of a glass wool filter (Moolten's method) and other blood clotting factors were determined in the experimental atherosclerosis in the rabbits to assess their relations to the development of atherosclerosis.
The materials were 63 adult, normal rabbits, devided into 5 groups depending on the various pretreatment as follows: lanolin-feeding, with injection of celite (Filter-Cel), injection of celite, celite and phenylindanedion and no pretreatment as the control.
The results were summarized as follows:
1) The intravenous injection of celite into the rabbits produced an increase in blood coagulability as represented by the increase of adhesive index of the platelet. The slight decrease in the clotting factors in the blood as serum fibrinogen and prothrombin could be explained as the results of increased consumption of these factors in the animals.
2) The development of atheroma of the aorta in the lanolined rabbits was accerelated and the adhesive index was increased after the celite injection.
3) Intravenous injection of celite into the rabbits produced a localized thickening of the endothelium at the pulmonary arteries.
4) Administration of phenylindanedion (anticoagulant) produced no significant changes in the adhesive index but the pathological alterations were inhibited.