Does acute experimental pancreatitis affect blood platelet function?

The role of blood platelets in the disturbed haemostasis in acute pancreatitis is not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood platelet function during the first hours of acute experimental pancreatitis (AEP) in dogs. AEP was induced by the retrograde injection of bile and trypsin into the main pancreatic duct. Platelet count, platelet aggregation induced with ADP, PAF, AA as well as plasma Beta-TG and TXB2 levels were determined. At 30 min after induction of AEP a significant decrease of platelet count was noted; these changes were observed until 4 th hr. At 30 min as well as at 60 min of AEP increased sensitivity of platelet aggregation to ADP was found. After that time evident decrease of platelet aggregation to ADP was shown. Platelets sensitivity to PAF was higher at 30 min of AEP whereas 60 min, 2 and 4 hrs after AEP normalization of platelet aggregation by PAF was observed. The significant increase of plasma Beta-TG and TXB2 concentrations corresponded well to changes of platelet aggregation. These results indicate that AEP affects blood platelet function with the drop of their count.