In vitro effects of trace elements on blood clotting and platelet function. B--Zinc and magnesium.

The in vitro effects of zinc and magnesium salts on blood coagulation mechanism and platelet aggregation were studied on rat plasma. Addition of zinc sulphate to pooled rat plasma in a range of concentrations (0.3-1 mg/ml) caused a dose dependent significant prolongation of recalcification, prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times.

In vitro effects of trace elements on blood clotting and platelet function. A--Iron, copper, and gold.

The present in vitro study of the effects of iron on the blood coagulation mechanism in rats showed that addition of ferrous sulphate to pooled rat plasma resulted in inhibition of blood coagulation, as shown by prolongation of the clotting parameters tested, an effect which was dose-dependent. In vitro addition of ferrous sulphate to rat PRP in doses of 2-5 mg/ml significantly decreased platelet aggregation in response to ADP, while collagen-induced aggregation was significantly diminished in presence of the higher doses of ferrous sulphate (4-5 mg/ml). Also, preincubation of ferrous sulphate with thrombin or with pure fibrinogen indicated that iron could produce decrease of thrombin activity as well as impairment of fibrinogen clottability.

Effects of some trace elements on platelet function in rats.

The present study portrays the effects of some elements, namely: iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and gold, on platelet count, PCV and platelet aggregation, 60 minutes following administration of the metal salts. Marked thrombocytopenia was encountered in rats treated with ferrous sulphate while the platelet count was significantly changed with the other elements tested. The PCV was significantly increased following treatment with ferrous sulphate and large dose of gold chloride, but was insignificantly altered with the other elements.

Evaluation of a 4% gelatin solution in the treatment of canine haemorrhagic shock.

The effects of volume replacement with 4% gelatin containing 1% glycine at pH 5.8 and 6.4 on the changes in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and blood levels of glucose, lactate and urea following acute haemorrhage in dogs were studied.