Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The paper describes an alternative method for quantification of in vivo ADP-induced thromboembolism. The aim of the studies was to develop a method of quantification which would not require either extravasation or labelling of platelets. Our proposed approach is based on the monitoring of changes of blood flow with the use of laser Doppler flowmetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice of C57Bl strain were used in the study. ADP was injected to the vena cava and blood flow was monitored with the use of a laser Doppler flowmeter in the mesentery. Measurements in platelet-depleted mice, mice pretreated with cangrelor, an ADP receptor antagonist, and eptifibatide, a blocker of fibrinogen binding to GPIIbIIIa, were conducted as the proof-of-concept in the performed experiments. Intravital microscopy and ex vivo imaging of organs was performed to identify the sites of aggregate formation resulting from ADP injection. RESULTS: The injection of ADP resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of the blood flow in the mesentery. These responses were fully attributable to blood platelet aggregation, as shown by the lack of the effect in platelet-depleted mice, and significantly reduced responses in mice pretreated with cangrelor and eptifibatide. No platelet aggregate formation in mesenteric vessels was revealed by intravital microscopy, while ex vivo imaging showed accumulation of fluorescent labelled platelets in the lung. CONCLUSIONS: Injection of ADP to the venous system results in the formation of platelet aggregates predominantly in the lung. This results in reversible blood flow cessation in peripheral blood vessels. The measurement of this blood flow cessation in the mesentery allows indirect measurement of ADP-induced pulmonary thromboembolism. We suggest that this approach can be useful for in vivo screening for antiplatelet drug candidates.