The Effect of pH on Human Platelet Aggregation Induced by Epinephrine and ADP 1

Abstract

Summary

Platelet rich plasma exposed to air undergoes pH drift in the alkaline direction due to diffusion of CO₂. A simple technique has been developed to control this variable in aggregation studies by layering CO₂ enriched air over the samples. Studies using this technique demonstrate inhibition of epinephrine-induced aggregation by acidosis and enhanced aggregation by alkalosis within the physiologic range. ADP-induced aggregation was less pH dependent, but the rate and extent of disaggregation were much greater at acidic pH values.