Effect of desmopressin on plasma factor VIII and von Willebrand factor concentrations in Greyhounds

Objective To determine the effect of 1-Deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin on plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII in Greyhound blood donors, and to compare the response of 1-Deamino-8-D-arginine vasopr essin injection on plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor between g roups with different resting plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor . Animals Fifteen Greyhound blood donors were used. Dogs were grouped into th ree categories depending on their von Willebrand factor concentrations. Procedure Desmopressin was administered subcutaneously at 1 mg/kg to all do gs. Plasma von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations were measur ed before and 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after desmopressin injecti on. Results The von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations in all dog s increased significantly and remained higher than base-line throughout the 2 h period. Conclusion Desmopressin is useful in increasing von Willebrand factor conce ntrations in Greyhound blood donors, including those with low resting conce ntrations.