The Effect of Surgery on the Concentration of Circulating Megakaryocytes and Platelets

Abstract

Abstract The mean concentration of megakaryocytes in antecubital vein blood of 43 normal men and women was 3.4/ml. (range 0-13). No circulating megakaryocytes were found in 6 patients with thrombocytopenia due to marrow failure. Following surgery the average maximal megakaryocyte level increased to 50/ml. (range 15-190) from a preoperative mean of 8/ml. The maximal level was reached on about the third postoperative day with the platelet concentration reaching maximal levels 3 to 6 days later.