Platelet electrophoresis: effect of defibrination by ancrod (Arvin)

The changes in platelet electrophoretic mobility induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and noradrenaline in normal subjects, in patients with acute illnesses, and in patients with chronic vascular disease described by Hampton and Mitchell (1966 a, b, c) are confirmed. The platelet electrophoretic mobility dose response curves in nine patients undergoing therapeutic defibrination by ancrod have been studied. Pretreatment platelet sensitivity to ADP was increased, during treatment at 48 hr and at 96 hr was normal, and one week after therapy was stopped reverted to the abnormal sensitivity pattern. During ancrod therapy the normal electrophoretic mobility response to ADP was associated with low levels of fibrinogen; one possible explanation of the altered platelet sensitivity found before treatment might be an abnormality of the plasma fibrinogen in disease states.