INFLUENCE OF GARLIC COMPARED TO ASPIRIN ON INDUCED PHOTOTHROMBOSIS INMOUSE PIAL MICROVESSELS, IN-VIVO

Effect of garlic on photochemically-induced platelet aggregation in pi al microvessels of the mouse, in vivo, was compared to that of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). Three trials were carried out, in which garlic a t doses of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg and ASA doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg were used. Each trial included treatment groups of male mice, si milar to 30 g, and a control group. Animals were anesthetized (urethan e, 1-2 mg/g, i.p.), the trachea was intubated and a craniotomy was per formed. Induction of platelet aggregation was made by activation of ci rculating sodium fluorescein (0.1 mi of 5% solution/25 g, i.v.) with a n intense mercury light. Garlic, ASA and vehicle solutions were inject ed, i.p., 60 min prior to the photochemical insult. The time for the f irst platelet aggregate to appear in pial arterioles was significantly delayed (P<0.001) only by the 100 mg/kg garlic dose and by all ASA do ses. The effect of this garlic dose on first aggregate was comparable to that of the 25 and 50 mg/kg ASA doses. Only the ASA doses delayed ( P<0.05) the appearance of first aggregate in venules. Arteriolar and v enular diameter changes were not different among groups of all trials. Data of this study documented that garlic was capable of delaying pla telet aggregation in mouse pial arterioles, in vivo. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.