Effect of quercetin on platelet aggregation induced by oxyradicals.

AIM: To study the action of quercetin (Que) on inhibiting platelet aggregation.
METHODS: Active oxygen free radicals produced by xanthine/xanthine oxidase (Xan/XO) reaction was used, platelet aggregation was determined by the turbidimetric method, and the Xan/XO oxyradicals generating reaction by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (Che) method.
RESULTS: Active oxygen free radicals enhanced the platelet aggregation induced by ADP 1.6 mumol.L-1. The rate of maximal aggregation increased from 29%-38% for ADP to 59%-70% for ADP + Xan/XO. The enhancement was abolished by the treatment of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with Que 650 mumol.L-1 or hydrocortisone (Hyd) 900 mg.L-1. Both Que and Hyd scavenged the active oxyradicals in vitro. The Che was decreased by 75.7% (Que 4 mumol.L-1) and 79.0% (Hyd 900 mg.L-1) as compared with control.
CONCLUSION: Active oxygen free radicals participated in the platelet aggregation, and scavenging oxyradicals by Que was one of mechanisms of inhibiting platelet aggregation.