Platelet–Surface Interaction: Effect of Albumin Coating or Heparin Complexing on Thrombogenic Surfaces

Abstract

Platelet–surface interaction was studied using activated charcoal granules (AC), cellulose nitrate coated, activated charcoal granules (CAC), albumin – cellulose nitrate coated, activated charcoal granules (ACAC), and benzokonium – heparin – cellulose nitrate coated, activated charcoal granules (BHCAC). In studies where blood from dogs was recirculated through shunts, each containing 300 g of one of the above systems, it was found that both AC and CAC lowered the systemic blood platelet levels after 2 h of hemoperfusion. In hemoperfusion across these two systems, there was also an increase in the adhesiveness of platelets. In the case of ACAC and BHCAC, hemoperfusion for 2 h did not result in any significant decrease in the systemic blood platelet levels, nor was there an increase in the adhesiveness of platelets perfused across these two systems. Scanning electron microscopic studies were carried out with the CAC and ACAC systems before and after contact with blood. There was marked platelet and fibrin deposition and entrapment of formed elements of blood in the case of the CAC. In the case of the ACAC there was no platelet adhesion, fibrin deposition, or entrapment of formed elements of blood. This study has led to the use of the ACAC microcapsule artificial kidney in the treatment of patients with chronic renal failure and acute intoxication.