[Effect of radiofrequency ablation on endothelial function and platelet activation].

Objective: To investigate the effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation on endothelial function and platelet activation.

Methods: With radioimmunoassay, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, cell labeling with monoclonal antibody and flow cytometry technique, thirty-one consecutive patients were checked for levels of plasma endothelin (ET), von willebrand's factor (vWF) and expression of platelet alpha-granule membrane glucoprotein (CD(62P)), platelet lysosome membrane glucoprotein (CD(63)) before, immediately and 47 - 115 hours after radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Results: There was no significant difference in the levels of plasma ET and vWF before and after catheter ablation; The rate of CD(62P) and CD(63) expression rate on platelets was (4.75 +/- 2.32)% and (9.62 +/- 4.08)% before catheter ablation, and it significantly increased to (7.64 +/- 5.25)% (t = 3.05, P < 0.01) and (12.23 +/- 5.70)% (t = 2.10, P < 0.05) immediately after catheter ablation and then returned to baseline levels 47 - 115 hours after catheter ablation. There was a positive correlation between the change of CD(62P) expression and total energy dose of radiofrequency (r = 0.30, P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Radiofrequency catheter ablation did not bring about significant damage to endothelium but can increase expression of platelet membrane CD(62P), CD(63) and promote platelet activation, total energy dose of radiofrequency is one of important influencing factor.