Inhibition of agonist-induced platelet aggregation by magnesium sulfate warrants its use as an alternative in vitro anticoagulant in pseudothrombocytopenia.

MgSO is effective in preventing spontaneous in vitro platelet agglutination in anticoagulant-induced pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP). In order to learn more about its potential as an in vitro anticoagulant, platelets from MgSO-anticoagulated blood were stimulated by several differentially-acting agonists (ADP, ARA, TRAP, epinephrine, collagen and ristocetin). Platelet aggregation in blood samples from 11 and 17 volunteers was measured by light-transmission aggregometry (LTA) according to Born and impedance aggregometry (Multiplate), respectively.

A therapy with miglustat, 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin and allopregnanolone restores splenic cholesterol homeostasis in Niemann-pick disease type C1.

Background: Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is an autosomal-recessive lipid-storage disorder with an estimated minimal incidence of 1/120,000 live births. Besides other neuronal and visceral symptoms, NPC1 patients develop spleen dysfunction, isolated spleno- or hepatosplenomegaly and infections. The mechanisms of splenomegaly and alterations of lipid metabolism-related genes in NPC1 disease are still poorly understood.

Performance of the XN-2000 WPC channel-flagging to differentiate reactive and neoplastic leukocytosis.

Background: The distinction between reactive and neoplastic leukocytes, especially atypical lymphocytes suspected to be reactive or neoplastic, is a particular challenge in automated hematological cell differentiation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of the XN analyzer supplemented with the WPC channel for differentiating between reactive and neoplastic leukocytosis.

Methods: Blood samples of 253 patients with viral infections, lymphoma or leukemia were analyzed by the Sysmex XN-2000 analyzer equipped with the WPC channel.

Expression of tissue factor in pancreatic adenocarcinoma is associated with activation of coagulation.

Aim: To study expression of tissue factor (TF) in pancreatic cancer and its role in the development of thromboembolism.

Methods: TF expression was studied in eight human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines by Northern blot and indirect immunofluorescence. Expression of alternatively spliced TF (asTF) was assessed by RT-PCR.