3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine ameliorates the thrombocytopenia observed in a murine model of AIDS.

3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) is used in the management of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related complex (ARC). The myelotoxic actions of AZT are well known but its effect on platelets is not clear. We studied the effect of AZT at 1 and 2.5 mg/ml in drinking water on platelets in a murine model of AIDS. Three stages of the disease were examined, as determined by the serum IgM levels and other physical features. As early as 15 days after the initiation of drug treatment, AZT was found to significantly increase platelet production. To ascertain that this activity was authentic, a further study was carried out using uninfected mice. Mice were given AZT at both doses for 15 and 30 days. All mice on AZT had significantly increased numbers of platelets. These increases were dose and time dependent. AZT is therefore a potent inducer of thrombocytosis and may be a potential candidate in the treatment of thrombocytopenia in AIDS.