Platelet lymphocyte adherence in children after surgery.

There is limited data on the importance of the adherence phenomenon of platelets to lymphocytes. In the present study rosette formation and agglutination of lymphocytes with autologous platelets were observed in children after surgery. Lymphocytes and platelets were separated by 'Lymphoprep' solutions from heparinized blood. Platelet-lymphocyte agglutinates were prepared in the presence of inactivated fetal calf serum and were counted on slides. Platelet-lymphocyte agglutinates were found to be significantly elevated during the first post-operative day. It is concluded that the enhancement of platelet adhesiveness to lymphocytes may be due to anaesthesia.