GLUTATHIONE (GSH) IMPROVED HEMOSTATIC AND HEMORHEOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN ATHEROSCLEROTIC SUBJECTS

Blood samples from ten patients with clinically evident manifestations of atherosclerotic disease were used to evaluate in vitro the effects of exogenous glutathione (GSH) on platelet aggregation and on blood f iltration and viscosity. In two groups, each of ten atherosclerotic pa tients, matched for sex, age, prevalent localization, duration and gra vity of disease, the effects of GSH infusion (600 mg every day for sev en days) on the haemocoagulative pattern, platelet aggregation and blo od filtration and viscosity were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo cross-over trial. The GSH in vitro addition resulted in a significant increase in blood filtration and a significant decrease in blood visco sity and platelet aggregation. The venous GSH infusion both significan tly decreased blood viscosity and increased blood filtration. Partial thromboplastin time was lengthened after GSH infusion even thought it remained in the normal range.