In vitro, aurin tricarboxylic acid (ATA) inhibited ristocetin-induced
human platelet agglutination in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 valu
e (dose which inhibits 50% of platelet agglutination) was 60 +/- 8.7 m
u g/ml. In vivo, the i.v. administration of ATA to rats reduced the th
rombus formation in an arteriovenous shunt with an ED(50) value of 9.0
+/- 1.6 mg/kg. In a venous thrombosis model, using a combination of a
thrombogenic challenge and stasis, ATA displayed a significant, dose-
dependent antithrombotic effect, the ED(50) value being of 18.3 +/- 2.
0 mg/kg. In an experimental model of disseminated intravascular coagul
ation, ATA protected mice from the lethal effect of thromboplastin-ind
uced thromboembolism with a ED(50) value of 1.1 +/- 0.15 mg/kg, being
in that respect 12 times less potent than standard heparin (ED(50) = 9
0 +/- 15 mu g/kg). These observations therefore show that ATA is activ
e in both arterial- or venous-type thrombosis models and suggest that
von Willebrand Factor might be important not only in arterial but also
in venous thrombosis.