Enhanced 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha levels in plasma during hemodialysis.

The activation of platelets due to foreign surface interaction is a well known fact. Earlier, we found an increase of circulating platelet microaggregates (method of Wu and Hoak) during hemodialysis. Since this phenomenon might cause a PGI2-release by lung and/or vascular tissue, we studied the plasma 6-oxo-PGF 1 alpha-levels in 6 patients during hemodialysis. We found an initial increase of plasma 6-oxo-PGF 1 alpha. Coincidently, hypoxemia, fall in platelet and lekocyte count and a decrease in platelet count ratio were observed. An effect of heparin was excluded in a control group. The findings support the hypothesis that PGI2 acts as a defense mechanism against platelet deposition on vascular wall by a temporary increased synthesis which could be monitored by a temporarily enhanced plasma 6-oxo-PGF 1 alpha-level during the initial phase of hemodialysis.