Platelet aggregation response to cyclooxygenase inhibition and thromboxane receptor antagonism using impedance aggregometry: A pilot study

Impedance aggregometry is an alternative to light transmission aggregometry that allows analysis of platelet function in whole blood samples. We hypothesized (1) impedance aggregometry would produce repeatable results, (2) inhibition of cyclooxygenase with aspirin would attenuate aggregation responses to collagen and abolish the aggregation response to arachidonic acid (AA), and (3) thromboxane receptor antagonism (terutroban) would attenuate the aggregation response to AA. Venous blood was obtained from 11 participants three times separated by at least 2 weeks. One sample followed 7-day-aspirin intervention (81 mg once daily; ASA), the others no intervention (control). Aggregation was induced using 1 μg/mL collagen ([col 1]), 5 μg/mL collagen ([col 5]), and 50 mM AA via impedance aggregometry to determine total aggregation (AUC) analyzed for intra-test repeatability, inter-test repeatability, intervention (ASA or control), and incubation (saline or terutroban). [col 1] showed high intra-test (p ≤ 0.03 visit 1 and 2) and inter-test repeatability (p < 0.01). [col 5] and AA showed intra- ([col 5] p < 0.01 visit 1 and 2; AA p < 0.001 visit 1 and 2) but not inter-test repeatability ([col 5] p = 0.48; AA p = 0.06). ASA attenuated AUC responses to [col 1] (p < 0.01), [col 5] (p = 0.03), and AA (p < 0.01). Terutroban attenuated AUC in response to AA (p < 0.01). [col 1] shows sufficient repeatability for longitudinal investigations of platelet function. [col 5] and AA may be used to investigate mechanisms of platelet function and metabolism at a single time point.