Platelet aggregation and release function in hyperbaric oxygenation

The aim of the study was to investigate the acute and chronic effects of hy peroxygenation on platelet aggregation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) rel ease. To observe the acute effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2), seven New Z ealand rabbits were exposed to 2.4 atm abs oxygen for 90 min (group 1). Eig ht other rabbits were further exposed to O-2 daily for 20 days (group 2) to observe the chronic effects of HBO2. Adenosine diphophate (ADP) and collag en-induced platelet aggregation and ATP release were evaluated before and a fter oxygenation in groups 1 and 2. It was found that the maximal rate of A DP and collagen-induced platelet aggregation decreased after hyperbaric oxy genation in group 1.No significant alteration was observed in platelet resp onses at the end of 20 days of oxygenation in group 2. The adaptation of pl atelets to 2.4 atm abs O-2 after 20 days of exposure seems to need further investigation.