Effect of Metabolic Acidosis and Alkalosis on Human Platelet Aggregation Induced by Epinephrine and ADP 1

Summary

Platelet-rich plasma undergoes pH drift in the alkaline direction when exposed to air. A technique for maintaining pH in vitro using 5% CO₂ from a constant source is described. This technique is used further to elucidate the effect of metabolic (exogenous) pH change on in vitro platelet aggregation. It is seen that platelet aggregation in response to epinephrine or ADP challenge is inhibited by acidosis and enhanced by alkalosis produced by pH changes while maintaining a constant pCO₂.