Influence of alpha-adrenergic blockade on platelet-mediated thrombosis in stenosed canine coronary arteries.

The functional significance of platelet alpha-adrenergic receptors in vivo is uncertain. The aim of this study was to elucidate their role in experimental coronary thrombosis. In 46 open-chest dogs with a critical coronary stenosis produced by plicating the coronary artery wall with a suture, blood flow showed cyclical reductions followed by an abrupt return to control levels.